Why It Matters
Utah Valley University’s successful conclusion of its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign signals a significant moment for higher education in Utah, demonstrating that private giving — not government spending — can drive transformational opportunities for students. The campaign’s results highlight how donor-supported initiatives can expand access to education, reduce dependence on taxpayer-funded programs, and strengthen the state’s future workforce.
With more than $254 million raised over seven years, the EverGREEN campaign stands as one of the most ambitious private fundraising efforts in Utah higher education history, setting a new benchmark for regional public universities across the country.
What Happened
Utah Valley University officially closed its inaugural EverGREEN comprehensive fundraising campaign on December 31, 2025, after raising more than $254 million to support student success and institutional growth. The campaign was first launched in 2018 and publicly announced on October 22, 2022.
To mark the conclusion of the multi-year effort, UVU hosted the EverGREEN Impact Celebration on April 7, 2026, at the UCCU Ballpark. The event brought together faculty, staff, donors, and members of the campus community to recognize the collective impact of the campaign and honor the students whose lives were directly affected by the contributions raised.
UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez spoke at the celebration, highlighting the role of employee giving in driving the campaign’s success. “Employee giving speaks to who we are as a university,” Tuminez said. “Our faculty and staff believe in students so strongly that they chose to invest personally in their success and in UVU’s future. I’m grateful to work with colleagues who have shown exceptional care.”
By the Numbers
The scale of the EverGREEN campaign reflects both the breadth of community support and the depth of its impact on Utah students:
$254 million+ — Total funds raised over the course of the campaign, surpassing the university’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising goal.
14,000+ — Total donors who contributed to the campaign across its seven-year duration, including more than 10,000 first-time donors, indicating significant new engagement with the university’s mission.
190 — New scholarships created as a direct result of EverGREEN contributions, expanding access for students and building stronger pathways to degree completion.
7 years — The total duration of the campaign, from its internal launch in 2018 through its official close on December 31, 2025.
Zoom Out
UVU’s fundraising milestone comes at a time when universities across the United States are increasingly turning to private philanthropy to offset rising costs and supplement public funding. Regional public universities, which often serve large populations of first-generation and working-class students, have historically lagged behind flagship institutions in alumni giving and donor engagement.
The EverGREEN campaign’s success — particularly its 10,000-plus first-time donors — suggests that community-based universities can build robust private giving cultures when campaigns are tied directly to student outcomes rather than abstract institutional goals. Similar donor-driven efforts in other states have helped expand scholarship access without placing additional burdens on state budgets or tuition-paying families.
As Utah continues to see significant civic and institutional engagement across the state, UVU’s campaign underscores that Utahns are willing to invest personally in the future of their communities, including its educational institutions. The model may draw interest from peer institutions seeking alternatives to increased government appropriations or tuition hikes.
What’s Next
With the EverGREEN campaign officially closed, UVU officials say the impact of the funds raised will continue to expand access, elevate academic excellence, and prepare Utah’s workforce for future economic demands. The 190 new scholarships created through the campaign will remain active, continuing to benefit students for generations to come.
University officials have made the full EverGREEN campaign impact report available at uvu.edu/EverGREEN for donors, students, and community members who wish to review the full scope of what was accomplished. No details regarding a follow-up campaign have been announced at this time.