By Melissa Alonso | Spring 2026

The Georgia Tech College of Design has reached a major fundraising milestone, generating more than $11 million in philanthropic support over the past year—a reflection of growing momentum and deepening investment in the College’s future. For decades, the College of Design has helped shape Atlanta into the dynamic, globally recognized city it is today; educating generations of architects, planners, builders, and designers whose work defines the region’s skyline, infrastructure, and cultural life. 

Through its five schools—the School of Architecture, School of City and Regional Planning, School of Building Construction, School of Industrial Design, and School of Music—the College continues to influence how cities are designed, built, and experienced. Today, this growing philanthropic support is fueling its next chapter. 

Rather than being defined by a single gift, this milestone represents a collective effort from alumni, industry partners, and friends of the College, fueling meaningful impact across students, programs, and academic initiatives.

This year’s total marks a significant increase from recent years. Just a few years ago, annual fundraising totals were closer to $7 million, highlighting a clear upward trajectory in philanthropic engagement. That growth is already translating into tangible outcomes across the College: 

• $5.2 million in new scholarship gifts, expanding access for students 

• Nearly $200,000 distributed from endowed funds to support need-based scholarships 

• $765,000 in new fellowship gifts, supporting advanced study and research 

• $700,000 distributed for fellowships through endowed and current-use funds 

• $5.3 million in program support, funding student experiences, academic initiatives, and innovation 

These investments extend beyond the classroom; supporting student travel, conference participation, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare graduates to lead in their fields.

“We are so grateful to supporters of the College and its schools for the unparalleled financial support we received this year,” said Ellen Bassett, Dean and John Portman Chair of the College of Design.

“Philanthropy is indispensable to accomplishing our mission: it helps us recruit and support the best and brightest students and faculty. It enables students to benefit from a range of experiences—field trips, conferences, professional events—that enhance their learning and deepen their appreciation of the dynamic nature, importance, and impact of our professional fields. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you. We are on a roll, and we look forward to continuing our productive partnerships with alumni, friends and family, and community members.”

The impact of philanthropic support is also visible in signature moments across the College, most notably at the Design Excellence Awards.

Many of the year’s largest donors were recognized at this year’s ceremony, which also honored outstanding alumni from the College of Design. Bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and supporters, the awards highlight the strength of the College’s community while reinforcing the critical role philanthropy plays in advancing its mission.

College leadership emphasized that this milestone reflects broad-based support across many donors and initiatives, rather than a single defining contribution. This approach ensures that funding can be distributed across the College’s diverse areas—from architecture and planning to industrial design and music technology—while supporting both immediate needs and long-term priorities. It also reinforces a key principle of the College’s development strategy: every gift contributes to a larger ecosystem of impact.

With continued donor engagement and additional major gifts on the horizon, the College is well-positioned to build on this momentum. Together, these investments reflect more than financial growth—they signal a deepening commitment to the College of Design’s mission and its community. As momentum continues to build, philanthropy will remain a driving force behind expanding access, advancing innovation, and shaping the next generation of design leaders.