Iowa State athletics has set a new high-water mark in fundraising, announcing Monday that the department brought in a record $52.7 million in gifts during fiscal year 2026.
That total tops the previous record of $41.7 million, which had stood since 2020, and it came from 26,707 donations spread across 7,814 fans. The department also logged 48 gifts of $100,000 or more, according to the announcement from athletic director Jamie Pollard.
Pollard said the outpouring of support reflected the loyalty of Cyclone fans and the work of the staff behind the scenes.
“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," stated Pollard, who recently completed his final full year as athletic director before retiring in June 2027 or once a successor has been hired. "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. 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.”
A big chunk of the money came through the Cyclone Club, which produced a record $21.1 million in annual funds. That figure broke the previous Cyclone Club record of $19.7 million, set in fiscal year 2025.
Ryan McGuire, Iowa State’s senior associate athletics director, said the numbers reflected a broad effort across the department and its donor base.
"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 Iowa State senior associate athletics director Ryan McGuire in a statement. “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.”
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