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American University has great capacity to shape the future and change the world through the work of its faculty, students, and alumni. Donors inspire excellence at American University by supporting bright students, high-caliber faculty, and significant research that benefits society, promotes innovation, contributes new knowledge, and improves lives.

Contributions of all kinds and of all amounts provide essential resources for AU students and faculty to do groundbreaking work that makes a positive impact.

On May 12, 2021, AU's 15th President Sylvia M. Burwell announced Change Can't Wait: The Campaign for American University. With a $500 million goal, Change Can’t Wait will create transformative educational opportunities for students, advance research with impact, and build stronger communities locally, nationally, and globally.

Why us? Changemaking is in our DNA.
Why now? We know change can’t wait.

Elevate Scholarship Initiative

Elevate Scholarship Initiative

This $25 million philanthropic effort is our commitment to creating pathways to purpose for AU changemakers.

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Impact of Giving

Aerial view of Bender Library and McKinley building

Giving plays an important role in the life of the university. Individuals' philanthropy makes a difference to the work of our students, faculty, and staff.
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Campaign Impact

The Eagle statue on campus, framed by magnolia blossoms.

AU undertook the Change Can’t Wait campaign with a bold call to redefine what is possible for the Eagle community. Together, the AU community has given over $500 million dollars, marking the completion of the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history.

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Ways to Give

American University graduates leap in celebration on the Quad

You can support the university in a variety of ways; whether by annual gifts, endowments, or gifts from your estate. Find out how you can make a difference at AU. 

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