The University of California, Irvine has completed its most successful fundraising year on record, raising $343 million in fiscal year 2024 as part of its Brilliant Future philanthropic campaign.

The campaign now totals $1.9 billion, surpassing 95 percent of its $2 billion goal, making it the largest philanthropic and alumni engagement initiative in the history of UC Irvine and Orange County. Publicly launched in October 2019, will end in October 2025.

“UC Irvine is in the midst of a transformative era,” said Brian Hervey, vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations and president of the UC Irvine Foundation. “Our generous donors open the doors to a world-class education for our students and drive groundbreaking advances in health and research.”

About 20,000 donors supported scholarships, research, patient care and educational facilities, among other initiatives, in fiscal year 2024. The areas of health and research were particularly notable. UC Irvine Health Affairs saw a sharp increase in philanthropic contributions, nearly tripling from $77 million in 2023 to $216 million in 2024. In addition, research investments increased nearly 33 percent from $39 million last year to 52 million dollars this year.

Among the donations received in 2024 were two for $50 million each: one from biotech entrepreneur Charlie Dunlop to promote the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences and another from Joe C. Wen and his family to name the Joe C .Wen School of Population & Public. Cardiovascular health and support services.

“UC Irvine’s fundraising success is a testament to the progress the university is making in addressing global challenges, transforming lives and shaping the future,” said Gary Singer, chair of the UC Irvine Foundation Board of Trustees. “With the continued support of alumni, friends and community partners, UC Irvine is poised to exceed the campaign’s goals and set new standards for excellence in higher education.”

To date, more than 100,000 donors have contributed to the Brilliant Future campaign. The gifts supported four broad goals: advancing the American Dream for students, transforming health care and wellness, accelerating world-changing research, and exploring the human experience.

Launched publicly on October 4, 2019, the Brilliant Future campaign aims to raise awareness and support for UC Irvine. Employing 75,000 alumni and raising $2 billion in philanthropic investments, UC Irvine strives to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more.