UT Dallas Donors Give $83.6 Million in Past Year
The University of Texas at Dallas honored donors at its 2026 Celebration of Support, which also marked its endowment passing $1 billion.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy
The University of Texas at Dallas raised $83.6 million through nearly 18,300 gifts from 9,300 individual donors over the past year. The total was recognized at the 2026 Celebration of Support, held October 21, where the university's endowment surpassed $1 billion for the first time.
Why it matters
Campaign gifts support efforts to attract outstanding students, advance transformative research and expand opportunities in the arts. For Richardson residents, the university's growing endowment and fundraising strength shape the institution that anchors the region's higher education and cultural life.
UT Dallas raised $83.6 million from about 9,300 individual donors through nearly 18,300 gifts over the past year. The New Dimensions campaign has reached more than $622 million of its $750 million goal, and the endowment crossed $1 billion for the first time.
The players
University of Texas at Dallas
A public research university in Richardson, Texas, part of the University of Texas System.
Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation
A Texas philanthropic foundation that funds educational and cultural projects in the region.
Barry L. MacLean
A donor and collector whose gift of 4,000 Asian works enriches the university's art museum holdings.
The details
Donors were honored at the Celebration of Support, held beneath the 'Cosmic Dancer: Anne Ferrer' installation in the lobby of the Trammell and Margaret Crow Museum of Asian Art. The Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation committed $10 million to the second phase of the O'Donnell Athenaeum, and Barry L. MacLean donated 4,000 Asian works from the MacLean Collection along with $10 million for its long-term care.
Timeline
The past year saw $83.6 million raised from donors.
October 21, 2026: 2026 Celebration of Support held.
Spring 2027: Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation Concert Hall scheduled to open.
Market Landscape
The University of Texas at Dallas is one of several UT System institutions building large private endowments to reduce reliance on state appropriations. Its crossing of the $1 billion endowment mark places it among the system's most heavily funded campuses in philanthropic capacity.
Richardson families and students may see expanded arts programming once the Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation Concert Hall opens in spring 2027. Growing scholarship funding, such as the Capital One Scholarship in Applied Experience Design & Research, can reduce student debt for local residents attending the university.
The takeaway
Sustained private giving is helping UT Dallas expand scholarships, research and arts facilities without relying solely on public funds. Readers interested in supporting the university can look to its campaign priorities in attracting students and advancing research.
What happens next
The Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation Concert Hall is scheduled to open in spring 2027.
Further reading
Explore more philanthropy coverage for the latest in charitable giving and university fundraising.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Center.
