Whittier College marked a historic year of philanthropic support during the 2025–26 fiscal year as alumni, trustees, families, friends, and foundations invested more than $22.5 million to support scholarships, academic programs, student success initiatives, and the College's future.
The College raised $22,568,724, reaching 282% of its $8 million fundraising goal. Donors also contributed $18.6 million to the Whittier Now! campaign and helped the Whittier Fund significantly surpass its annual goal with more than $2.7 million in unrestricted support.
"This extraordinary year reflects the growing confidence of our alumni, donors, foundations, and philanthropic partners," said Vice President for Development Delite Travis. "Every gift, whether it supports scholarships, athletics, academic programs, the student residential experience, or other institutional needs, creates opportunities that help students thrive. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chose to invest in Whittier's future."
Across campus, donor support translated into tangible improvements for students. Trustee Fred Anderson '66 and Marilyn Anderson funded air conditioning upgrades for the College's three first-year residence halls, ensuring every residence hall is climate controlled beginning this fall. Philanthropic support also fully funded the renovation and modernization of the George Allen Fitness Center, launched the Dave Jacobs Court Project with a $400,000 leadership gift, and advanced additional athletics facility improvements, including press box enhancements and future capital projects.
The historic year also included a transformational unrestricted second gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest ever in Whittier College's history. Together with gifts from alumni and donors at every level, the investment strengthens the College's ability to support students and advance its long-term priorities.
Support extended well beyond major gifts. During the fiscal year, 1,418 alumni made gifts to the College, 315 first-time donors joined Whittier's philanthropic community, and the Board of Trustees achieved 100% participation while collectively contributing more than $2.1 million. Big Poet Give also surpassed $500,000 for the second consecutive year, demonstrating broad support from the Whittier community.
These investments advanced the College's highest strategic priorities, including academic excellence, athletics, and experiential learning initiatives like Whittier Works. The Whittier Fund continues to provide flexible resources that address the College's greatest needs, while the Whittier Now! campaign accelerated investments that strengthen the student experience and position the College for long-term success by expanding access to the personalized education, hands-on learning opportunities, and dedicated mentorship that define the Whittier experience.
Continued support from philanthropic partners, including a $1.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to expand humanistic inquiry across the curriculum, as well as investments from the Rose Hills Foundation and Ahmanson Foundation, further enhanced opportunities for students and faculty and reinforced confidence in the College's mission.
To learn more about supporting Whittier College, visit whittier.edu/giving or email development@whittier.edu.
