UA Little Rock Raises $266.5 Million in Campaign
The seven-year Centennial Campaign surpassed its $250 million goal and created 211 new endowments.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
UA Little Rock raised $266,532,569 through its seven-year Centennial Campaign, exceeding the $250 million goal. University officials announced the final total on Nov. 5 at a celebration recognizing donors, alumni and community partners.
Why it matters
The campaign's funds are directed toward scholarships, student success programs, academic initiatives and campus improvements, expanding support for students in Little Rock and the surrounding region. The 192% growth in the university's endowment strengthens its long-term financial foundation.
The campaign raised $266,532,569 against a $250 million goal, drawing 22,762 donors who made nearly 198,000 gifts. Donor and prospect outreach included more than 19,000 face-to-face meetings by university advancement staff.
The players
UA Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public university in Little Rock, Arkansas, which ran the Centennial Campaign.
Windgate Foundation
The Windgate Foundation is a philanthropic organization that gave $7.5 million to establish the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program.
The details
The Centennial Campaign ran for seven years and focused on scholarships, student success programs, academic initiatives and campus improvements. Signature projects included the Half-Off Scholarship and the Trojan Guarantee, and the Windgate Foundation gave $7.5 million to create the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program. The university also renovated 22 classrooms and laboratories.
Timeline
Seven-year period: the Centennial Campaign fundraising window.
Nov. 5: University officials announced the final total at a celebration.
Next month: The Shellam Flake Planetarium is scheduled to open.
Market Landscape
The Centennial Campaign's $266.5 million total and 192% endowment growth show how a regional public university can build a substantial philanthropic base through broad donor participation. The result places UA Little Rock among institutions that rely on large numbers of individual gifts rather than a few major donors.
Students in Little Rock may see expanded scholarship access through programs like the Half-Off Scholarship and the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program. Renovated classrooms and laboratories and the upcoming planetarium add campus facilities for current and future students.
The takeaway
Broad participation, with more than 22,000 donors, can build institutional strength as effectively as a few large gifts. Community members who want to support similar goals can consider contributing to scholarship funds at local universities.
What happens next
The Shellam Flake Planetarium is scheduled to open next month, a milestone tied to campus investments supported by the campaign.
Further reading
For more on giving in the region, explore Philanthropy coverage on Wisevoter.
