Bigger. Bolder. Better.

Vanderbilt’s Dare to Grow campaign has surpassed its initial $3.2 billion fundraising goal. In addition to underscoring the incredible generosity of Vanderbilt’s donors and the widespread enthusiasm for the university’s vision, this early achievement has established a launching pad for bolder, more far-reaching impact throughout the remainder of the campaign.

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier first shared this news with alumni and supporters during Reunion Weekend in November 2024, where he positioned the milestone as both a celebration and a call to action as Vanderbilt looks ahead to deepening its impact in Nashville, across the nation and around the world.

The campaign continues to receive unprecedented support and is expected to gain momentum through its close in June 2026.

“This is a milestone we can all be proud of,” Diermeier said. “Thanks to every one of our donors and the team behind the campaign, Dare to Grow is fueling our ambition to become the great university of the 21st century. It is changing lives through scholarships, opening doors for research, improving facilities for our student-athletes and fans, and much more. Having seen what we can accomplish together, we will set our aspirations higher and work together to reach them.”

The campaign—which takes its name from the university’s motto, Crescere aude—is already making a profound impact. Donor support has facilitated the launch of the Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center, Dialogue Vanderbilt, the Berg Global Artist-in-Residence program and several other transformative initiatives. In addition, campaign gifts have increased scholarships to undergraduates through Opportunity Vanderbilt, further securing the program’s impact and reputation as the nation’s gold standard for financial aid. Donors also have supported graduate students across the university, including through the Access2VLS need-based grants at Vanderbilt Law School. The campaign is enabling more students to participate in valuable experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, study abroad and summer research, as well as extracurricular experiences in student organizations, club sports and more.

With nearly $360 million raised for Vandy United, the university has begun work on major facilities and operational enhancements, including the Frist Athletics Village, the world-class Huber Center basketball facility and ambitious renovations planned for Hawkins Field. Through the Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success and other efforts, the campaign is also funding scholarships and support programs to ensure that Vanderbilt student-athletes are poised for success on and off the field.

Vanderbilt has engaged nearly 100,000 alumni to date through its call to “Give. Go. Help. Share.” Since the campaign’s public launch in spring 2023, Vanderbilt has hosted more than 2,700 guests at Dare to Grow roadshows and salons across the country, and more are planned through the campaign’s close.

Gifts of any size—and to any area of Vanderbilt—make a difference. Join us in reaching new levels of impact by giving today to the historic Dare to Grow fundraising campaign.

DARE MORE. DO MORE. GROW MORE.

At Vanderbilt, we’re defining what it means to be the great university of the 21st century. The Dare to Grow campaign leverages philanthropic support to bolster our community, advance new growth initiatives and serve as a springboard to push boundaries and make an impact.

Building Community in NYC

Vanderbilt University–New York City debuted its first public programming in the spring with the discussion series “Vanderbilt in the City: Conversations on America.” This is just the beginning of an enhanced New York City presence that will bring immersive experiences to the Chelsea campus.

A Home Away from Home

Vanderbilt’s residential colleges are at the heart of our campus culture. More than just a set of beautiful buildings, these LEED-certified spaces shape student life by serving as vibrant living-learning environments. Complete with faculty mentors living in each college, our system cultivates student success through academic, social and personal growth, and it provides a foundation for making lifelong friendships.

Enriching Opportunities in South Florida

With South Florida’s emergence as a financial hub, Vanderbilt is pursuing plans to establish a campus in West Palm Beach that offers graduate-level education in business, data science and AI, and a state-of-the-art innovation center. Once fully operational, Vanderbilt West Palm Beach will expand the university’s reach and broaden opportunities for students, faculty, alumni and supporters in a region of tremendous growth and investment.

Unlocking Limitless Potential

Our society is and will continue to be shaped by technology. To equip tomorrow’s leaders with the skills and credentials needed to navigate this world, we’ve established the interdisciplinary College of Connected Computing. Vanderbilt’s first new college in 40 years will advance breakthrough discoveries in technology and give students the opportunity to develop fluency in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science and related fields.

Expanding Opportunities for Student-Athletes Through Vandy United

As the largest campaign in Vanderbilt Athletics’ history, Vandy United has ushered in an unprecedented investment in our student-athletes and the athletics experience at our university. And it only gets better from here. As the success of Vandy United keeps building, we are expanding athletic facilities and enhancing operations.

Innovation in Nashville

Developing a thriving innovation economy in Nashville is a top priority for the city’s civic leaders and our university. In collaboration with the local community, Vanderbilt is advancing a city-wide strategy to ramp up opportunities for students and alums while nurturing the next generation of homegrown talent and local businesses.

Creating Space for Constructive Conversations

Free expression, civil discourse and institutional neutrality are long-held values at our university. Through Dialogue Vanderbilt, we are strengthening our commitment to fostering constructive conversations by bringing together diverse perspectives and creating intentional spaces for meaningful dialogue. Even in the face of disagreement, this discourse remains rooted in mutual respect.

Securing Our Future

Launched in fall 2024, the Institute of National Security brings together the brightest minds from academia, government and the private sector to tackle critical global challenges. Led by founding director, former NSA chief and retired four-star general Paul M. Nakasone, this groundbreaking initiative unites world-renowned experts to help equip students for national security careers, drive innovative solutions and shape policies that protect the United States and its allies.