BUFFALO, NY – The Canisius Fund set a new standard of success, raising a remarkable $8.4 million from alumni, family and friends during 2023-24. The achievement marks the institution’s most successful fundraising year since 2019.
“Canisius University is deeply grateful for the extraordinary support received this year,” says Dianna Civello, vice president for advancement. “The generosity of our alumni, donors and friends coupled with their enthusiastic engagement demonstrates a profound commitment to the vision of the institution and our students so that Canisius can continue to provide an exceptional educational experience and make a meaningful impact in our community.”
The Canisius Fund saw significant growth, with a 35 percent increase in total contributions compared to the previous year. Notably, 828 new donors contributed nearly $340,000, underscoring a substantial rise in engagement and support for the institution.
A significant highlight of the annual campaign was the collective support from Leadership Society members, who donated more than $5.1 million to Canisius. The Leadership Society is comprised of individuals who make gifts of $1,000 or greater to the university.
Additional campaign highlights include:
• More than $500,000 raised for the Blue & Gold Fund. Support for the Blue & Gold Fund provides essential funding for student athletes, including scholarships, recruitment and team travel.
• Canisius Giving Day generated gifts totaling more than $715,000 in support of 70-plus campus initiatives. Giving Day is the university’s annual 24-hour fundraising campaign, which aims to inspire the Canisius community to come together to support the next generation of students.
• Gifts ranging from $5 - $500 totaled more than $400,000, reflecting the broad-based generosity of Canisius donors.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
