ESF Raises Record $43.5 Million, Surpassing Historic Campaign Goal

07/30/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — July 30, 2026 — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) has completed the most successful fundraising campaign in its history, raising $43.5 million and exceeding its ambitious goal by $3.5 million less than one year after the campaign's public launch in May 2025.

The milestone represents a remarkable show of support for ESF's mission and future. The campaign's $40 million goal was double that of any previous fundraising effort in the College's history, yet more than 9,000 donors answered the call, making transformative investments in student scholarships, academic programs, research, and campus experiences.

"This remarkable achievement reflects the deep belief our alumni, donors, partners, and friends have in ESF and the vital role we play in addressing the world's most pressing environmental challenges," said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. "To exceed our most ambitious fundraising goal in less than a year is both humbling and inspiring. Every gift represents an investment in our students, our faculty, and the innovative research that is shaping a more sustainable future."

Donations have come from alumni, parents, corporations, private foundations, and individuals who recognize the importance of ESF's work and the future contributions of its graduates.

"The overwhelming response to this campaign speaks volumes about the strength of the ESF community and the confidence our donors have in our mission," said Brenda Greenfield, Chief Advancement Officer at ESF. "Our alumni, parents, corporate partners, foundations, and friends understand that investing in ESF means investing in solutions to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. We are deeply grateful for their generosity, which is already transforming opportunities for students and advancing research that will have lasting impact for generations to come."

Support for the campaign came from 9,058 donors, including alumni, families, corporate partners, foundations, and friends of the College. Sixty percent of donors were ESF alumni. The campaign also reflected a strong commitment to ESF's long-term future, with 19% of the total raised coming from documented planned estate gifts.

Campaign investments will have a lasting impact across the College. More than $24.3 million was directed toward academic programs and research, benefiting 78 ESF academic programs and advancing critical initiatives such as American chestnut restoration and harmful algal bloom research. Another $15.8 million was dedicated to student scholarships, an amount equivalent to the total cost of attendance for 593 New York State students, helping expand access to an ESF education and support the next generation of environmental leaders.

The campaign also provided $1.5 million to enhance facilities and student experiences, supporting more than 100 student paid internships and career development opportunities that prepare ESF students for successful careers and leadership roles in environmental fields.

The campaign's success underscores the growing recognition of ESF's role as a leader in environmental education, research, and public engagement. Investments made through the campaign will continue to advance the College's work in sustainability, conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and environmental health while strengthening opportunities for students and supporting research that addresses some of society's most pressing environmental challenges.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.esf.edu/bemighty.

About ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study, and conduct research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across New York state.