Penn’s annual giving day raises over $3.2 million

The Penn Fund raised over $3 million across nearly 2,000 donors during Giving Red and Blue Day on March 24.

The annual one-day fundraiser supports undergraduate financial aid, academics, and student life at Penn. This year’s campaign drew contributions from 1,991 donors across 44 states and 28 countries.

In an email sent to contributors, Penn wrote that 223 were first-time donors and 199 were young alumni, while 557 gave in recognition of a milestone reunion year.

The Class of 2001 recorded the highest participation among reunion classes, according to the email. University parents, families, and friends accounted for 187 donors.

The Penn Fund also highlighted “challenge gifts” from 2006 College and Wharton graduate Rana Yared and 2004 Wharton graduate Omar Vaishnavi — who donated alongside his wife Sabrina Vaishnavi.

“Every Penn student’s journey begins with an open door—and parents and families play a vital role in holding those doors open,” the website for Giving Red and Blue Day reads. “From the classroom to the community, research labs to residence halls, your generosity helps students discover new possibilities and turn ambition into action.”

Contributions to the fund are unrestricted and can be directed toward academic programming and other student life initiatives based on current University priorities.

“Gifts that count toward The Penn Fund are put to immediate use to help the University’s talented undergraduate students explore big ideas, conduct original research with acclaimed faculty, and make their time on campus truly exceptional,” the website continues.

This year’s Giving Red and Blue Day is part of the Penn Fund’s larger fundraising efforts, which raised more than $70 million during the 2025 fiscal year.

According to the University’s last Annual Impact Report, giving during alumni reunions accounted for a large share of contributions, with donors celebrating milestones contributing more than $8.6 million. Penn parents and families added nearly $1.65 million, while young alumni contributed about $598,000.

“Your generosity opened doors across Penn, and it’s already making a difference for undergraduates—ensuring they can access financial aid, pursue hands-on learning, and fully experience all that defines a Penn education,” the email to donors stated.

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