Forging Futures

Frostburg State University's comprehensive fundraising campaign known as Forging Futures: The Campaign for Frostburg State University began in July 2016 with a goal of raising $25 million by December 31, 2023. The campaign resources will support annual initiatives, increase the number and amount of scholarships available for students, support classroom and experiential student experiences, create regional partnerships and help fund capital projects. Read more about the campaign goals.

On Sept. 15, 2021, FSU launched the public phase of the campaign, and completion remained set for the end of 2023 to coincide with the celebration of the University's 125th Anniversary. But thanks to many generous donations, the campaign goal was achieved early, hitting the $25 million mark in August of 2023! However, the need for support in all these areas continues, and the FSU Foundation Board of Directors has decided to extend the campaign through Dec. 31, 2025.

"Almost two-thirds of the money raised in the campaign has been for scholarships, approximately $16 million, with over 130 new scholarship funds opened during the campaign," said Mr. John Short, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FSU Foundation. "A significant portion of these contributions have gone towards the endowment, which has grown from just under $20 million at the start of the campaign to over $42 million today."  Short continued, "More students have benefitted each year from these gifts and from the growth in the endowment.  For example, in FY16, 483 students received 810 awards totaling $788,616, and in FY23, those numbers increased to 579 students receiving 1,095 awards totaling $1,225,285." Short noted that an additional $7 million has gone to various restricted funds, many of which directly benefit students, and the balance of the donations have gone towards capital projects or are unrestricted.

"Raising money for institutional needs is the primary purpose for having a campaign, but another reason is to educate more individuals and businesses about the mission and purpose of the organization," said Short. "During this campaign we have reached out to members of all constituencies to let them know about how we are committed to transforming the lives of our students, the University and the region. Our success in doing so is reflected by the number of new donors in all these categories." We invite you to join the 14,607 other new donors to FSU!

Since reaching the $25 million goal in August, an additional $2 million has been raised to support scholarships and other student and University needs. Learn more about campaign priorities and how to support FSU and its students by visiting the Forging Futures. 

"Many of our donors are now considering including FSU in their estate plan, in addition to making cash or stock gifts," said Short. "We hope you will join the thousands of FSU alumni and friends of the University by making a gift that will help forge the future of FSU, its students, and the region."

The Annual Fund

Support for the Annual Fund helps to sustain the unique opportunities and enduring excellence that are part of an FSU education.

Increasing Enrollment

Enrollment, important to the financial foundation of the University, will be aided by the scholarships and grants Frostburg State University needs to place the opportunity for higher education within reach of all.

Student Success

Supporting initiatives for student success will help enhance opportunities for the learning experiences and future success of our students across more than 100 areas of study.

Student Experience

Supporting the student experience will help provide resources that lead to opportunities for student growth, such as professional development, internships, research, study abroad and athletics.

Regional Outreach

Support for regional outreach ensures that FSU can continue to create partnerships within the region to drive economic and educational development.

Capital Needs

Support for capital needs funds projects that continue to improve our campus and enhance our students’ lives, such as a multicultural center, collaborative classrooms and athletics facilities.