Iowa State University Athletics
Iowa State Athletics Shatters Single-Year Fundraising Records
08.03.2026 | Athletics
AMES, Iowa – Thanks to the incredible support from nearly 8,000 donors, Iowa State's Department of Athletics generated a school-record $52.7 million in gifts, including a record $21.1 million in annual fund giving through the Cyclone Club, Endowed Cyclone Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard announced today.
"We are grateful for the generosity of Cyclone fans everywhere who stepped forward during the past year in support of our student-athletes, coaches and staff," Pollard said. "Iowa State fans are incredibly loyal to our athletics program and their contributions allow us to provide the best possible academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes who proudly wear the Cardinal and Gold.
"This record would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our Development and Ticket Office staffs, who provide outstanding customer service to our loyal fans on a daily basis," Pollard added. "Annual giving to the Cyclone Club and season ticket purchases are the backbone of our department's annual budget. It is critical that we continue to grow these resources in the future to ensure that our programs enjoy sustained academic and athletic excellence in future years."
Overall, total fundraising production for the recently completed fiscal year was $52.7 million, breaking the previous fundraising record of $41.7 million set in 2020. Some 7,814 fans made 26,707 gifts to the ISU Athletics Department last year, including 48 gifts of $100,000 or more.
The Cyclone Club has topped $10 million in annual support for 12-consecutive years, establishing new records in each of the last six years. This year's total of $21.1 million broke the previous record of $19.7 million set in fiscal year 2025.
"Iowa State's donors are second to none, and they have shown time and again that they are always willing to step up and support Cyclone Athletics, and they took it to another level this year," said ISU Senior Associate Athletics Director Ryan McGuire. "This record is a credit to Jamie (Pollard) and our head coaches and their efforts to engage with our donors, along with our outstanding fundraising team with Athletics and the ISU Foundation. To produce a record year like this takes a total team effort."
The Cyclone Club supports ISU's 18-sport intercollegiate athletics program by providing the resources necessary to achieve academic and athletic success. To learn more about supporting ISU's 450 student-athletes, email cyclub@iastate.edu or visit www.cycloneclub.org.
