Maine Athletics celebrates strong fundraising year
9/7/2026 6:00:00 AM | Alfond Fund
Orono, Maine – Maine Athletics concluded a third consecutive year of fundraising over eight figures in support of their programs, with the department raising $14.8 million in gifts and pledges for capital support, the Alfond Fund, and endowments during the 2026 fiscal year, which ran from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
More than 2,900 supporters made individual gifts or pledges to the department, all to directly support Black Bear Athletics, which is up nearly 1,000 donors from the previous year. These numbers do not include pledge payments from the Harold Alfond Foundation towards their historic $170 million pledge in support of the University of Maine Athletics Master Facilities Plan.
"The need for philanthropic support in higher education and college athletics has never been greater than it is right now," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Jude Killy. "We are so thankful for the like-minded people who are supporting our student-athletes and their development and growth opportunities at the University of Maine. Your generosity is making a difference in their lives, daily, and for our department. Please continue to back the Black Bears, and encourage others to do the same. Again, thank you."
Highlighting the successful fundraising year was a $10 million gift from Phillip Morse, a transformative commitment that will support current and future capital athletics projects and facility maintenance, as well as efforts to recruit and retain talented student-athletes, coaches and staff while sustaining Maine excellence. In addition, Maine Athletics received two seven-figure gifts and pledges to the department in addition to seven, six-figure gifts and pledges.
"Our alumni and supporters continue to raise the bar on so many levels with their generosity," said Senior Executive Associate Athletic Director for Development Seth Woodcock. "In my role here, and especially as a UMaine graduate myself, it is truly incredible to see the impact so many are having on Black Bear Athletics. From the construction of new facilities, to the impact of another impressive fundraising year for the Alfond Fund, the philanthropic efforts of our donors is astounding and humbling. This is especially meaningful as we live in a time when financial support has never been more critical in collegiate athletics. Thank you Black Bear Nation!"
The support for Maine Athletics spans the globe, as gifts were received from four countries. including the United States, Canada, Germany, and Finland, as well as 40 states plus the District of Columbia. Alumni from 76 different UMaine class years, ranging from a bequest from a member of the Class of 1940 to our newest Black Bears from the Class of 2026, made pledges over the calendar year. Every class year between 1955 and 2026 made gifts. Additionally, over 700 fans made gifts during home football games in the fall of 2025.
Maine Athletics is a signature initiative of UMS TRANSFORMS, the Harold Alfond Foundation's historic $320 million investment in the University of Maine System - boldly reshaping the UMaine athletics infrastructure with best-in-class facilities and convening venues at the state's flagship university in Orono for the benefit and well-being of students and all of Maine. In addition, the annual Alfond Fund challenge provides significant operational support for UMaine football and other key athletics priorities.
The vision of the Harold Alfond Foundation, together with the exceptional generosity of UMaine donors, is delivering new facilities for our student athletes as part of the Athletics Facilities Master Plan.
Maine's supporters have joined together to support the $208 million UMS TRANSFORMS Athletics Facilities Master Plan. Naming Opportunities are still available for all of the new and renovated facilities, including Morse Arena the new home of Black Bear basketball scheduled to be completed in the winter of 27-28.
Those interested in supporting the Black Bears can visit GoBlackBears.com/give to make an unrestricted gift to the Alfond Fund or choose to support a specific program of their choice or contact the University of Maine Foundation at 207-581-5100 to discuss capital gifts, planned gifts or one of the many other giving opportunities available.
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