Aspirational / Achievable: BrownTogether campaign makes history

Through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of more than 76,800 alumni, students, staff, faculty, families, and friends—including more than 33,000 first-time donors—the most ambitious campaign in Brown’s history surpassed its goals. Twice. 

Donors from every generation and 115 countries came together and demonstrated their pride in Brown and their belief in its future. Together, we exceeded the original goal of $3 billion in 2021—more than a year ahead of schedule—and surpassed the extended $4 billion goal in 2024, achieving a final total of more than $4.44 billion. This includes the inspiring generosity of more than 49,300 alumni and 13,970 non-alumni parent donors who gave to sustain and advance Brown’s mission, reflecting a growing culture of philanthropy at Brown.

Thanks to this historic generosity, Brown’s impact on the world is expanding. Campaign giving has invested in the growth and evolution of financial aid, transformed the campus through major facilities projects, empowered and equipped faculty and students to take on groundbreaking research and scholarship, and enriched student well-being, as well as campus life for all who live, work and study at Brown.

From endowed gifts to annual contributions to bequests, donors supported Brown in transformative ways.

The Brown Annual Fund saw unprecedented growth during the campaign, generating more than $50 million in current-use support in each of the past three years. One of the University’s most powerful and flexible giving vehicles, the annual fund enables Brown to respond to pressing needs and harness emerging opportunities that advance the University’s academic mission. Over the course of the campaign, 73% of donors made a gift to the Annual Fund. This success reflects the introduction of innovative giving opportunities. New impact funds that support career exploration, diversity and inclusion, and campus sustainability, as well as affinity scholarships, athletics, and targeted priorities for Brown’s professional schools empower donors to align their giving with what matters most to them.

Through BrownTogether, donors provided landmark support for key initiatives, including: broadening access to a Brown education for the best and brightest students from a full range of backgrounds; recruiting and retaining world-class scholars across a multitude of areas; expanding research, educational innovation, and integrative scholarship in fields ranging from cancer research and brain science to public health, environmental science, humanities, engineering, medicine and the arts; and supporting new buildings, major renovations and reinvigorated spaces that have enabled the University to sustain and advance a campus for the future.

As we look back on the progress made and the aspirations still on the horizon, we reflect on the many ways that this support has made a transformative impact for our students; in our scholarship, research and teaching; and on our growing campus.

With continued support from generous donors, Brown will further advance the boundaries of teaching, learning and research in the fields of artificial intelligence, RNA research, international and public affairs, and more — all while continuing to broaden access to academically exceptional students and supporting them once they enroll.

Sergio Gonzalez P’17, senior vice president for advancement, is one of the many University leaders expressing gratitude for those who made this all possible. “We could not have achieved this without the loyal and generous community of supporters who contributed at historic levels to the BrownTogether campaign over the last ten years,” says Gonzelez. “The campaign is a testament to the strength of the Brown community. Together, we are poised to make an even greater impact in the years ahead.”

The campaign may have ended, but its legacy endures. Brown is moving boldly into the future. Together, we made history and together, we will continue to make a difference.