Office of Philanthropy StaffThe University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) recently closed the books on an exceptional fundraising endeavor, achieving $111,777,308 in philanthropic support in Fiscal Year 2025 — the highest annual total ever for the University. This tremendous milestone constituted a 31.5 percent increase over the $85 million FY2025 fundraising target — a direct result of the hard work and dedication of philanthropy professionals across UMB and its six professional schools and interdisciplinary graduate school, as well as the generous support of alumni, faculty, staff, civic and community leaders, corporations, foundations, and friends who have demonstrated their commitment to UMB’s mission to improve the human condition in Baltimore and beyond. This essential funding arrives at a critical time.
“Like so many in higher education, we are navigating a challenging financial environment,” said UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. “We could not deliver our mission at such a high level without philanthropic efforts to support teaching, research, clinical care, and work in the community. I hope that each and every one of you sees that what you do truly matters, and that the ripple effect of your impact is felt here in Baltimore, across Maryland, and beyond.”
Yet, the work continues. With an eye to the future, UMB is actively planning for the next comprehensive campaign, where strategy and a compelling story will be essential to inspiring and motivating generous donor support.
“We must grow philanthropy in order to answer the challenges we face, so that the University can be as resilient and nimble as possible,” said Greg Bowden, UMB’s chief philanthropy officer and vice president. “Ensuring that UMB is seen and understood is critical to the future growth and success of Baltimore and Maryland. It is about cultivating outside engagement and appreciation of the larger vision of which we are all a part. As such, we have an incredible opportunity to leverage our considerable institutional assets with existing and new major funders — as well as untapped areas of collaboration — to transform UMB’s philanthropic blueprint for years to come.”
Mission-critical for Bowden is placing UMB at the center of progress in the city and region while establishing an inspiring philanthropic vision that will create a transformative chapter in UMB’s legacy. Bowden attests that the University is helping to address a variety of issues such as gun violence, addiction, mental health, generational health challenges, and inequality that demand attention in a difficult fiscal and regulatory environment. Philanthropy will play a significant role in answering such challenges, as it represents a partnership with the community, alumni, and the patients that UMB serves.
The University’s mission to improve the human condition draws on a history of more than 200 years of education and innovation, which uniquely positions UMB to lead in the next evolution of research and education. As such, philanthropic priorities should ensure that UMB, as a world-class educational and research institution, is accessible to all and draws the next generation of leaders from the best and the brightest. Other priorities will include ensuring that UMB remains on the leading-edge of trauma care; continues to drive research breakthroughs in a way that is efficient and responsive; and remains a leader in building effective responses to generational health crises like obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and pandemic response.
To accomplish these goals, and much more, Bowden believes it is vital to understand the value that society places on a mission such as UMB’s. Philanthropy can demonstrate that value by bringing the University into partnership with the community.
“As UMB’s philanthropy grows, our mission and impact should expand in a way that remains in alignment with Baltimore and Maryland. That will be the ultimate measure of our success,” Bowden said.
That measurement of success is apparent in UMB’s recent fundraising achievement, a collective effort that has propelled philanthropic support to new heights, as inspired by the passion and commitment of the UMB community.
“Thank you for all you do,” Jarrell said in celebrating Philanthropy’s recent milestone while acknowledging the progress and achievement that has come from the notable work and service of the many talented people who have built and nurtured UMB and who demonstrate what can be accomplished when we work together to build a brighter future. “It is my honor to commit to doing all I can to help us achieve even greater success this year and in the years to come.”
To learn more about opportunities to help support UMB’s strategic fundraising initiatives, please contact Greg Bowden, chief philanthropy officer and vice president, Office of Philanthropy, at gbowden@umaryland.edu or 443-462-1338.
