Ahearn Fund Closes Out Record Year
Jul 15, 2026 | Athletics
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Thanks to the generosity of K-Staters from across the country, K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund announced today multiple department fundraising records for FY26 related to total and annual giving.
Overall, total cash giving to the department during the 2026 fiscal year totaled $45.7 million, breaking the previous fundraising record set in 2014. Within the total giving amount a new annual fund record was set with $41.2 million in annual gifts, shattering the previous record of $26.3 million set in 2024. Also included in the $41.2 million in annual giving was a department record of $1.17 million raised during the annual Powercat Auction.
"We are grateful for the loyalty and dedication of our fans and supporters as we continue to provide the best academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level," Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "The support of our fans through ticket sales and Ahearn Fund gifts continue to be the lifeblood of our department, and their support is critical even more in this new era of collegiate athletics as we continue to enhance our programs."
The Ahearn Fund, K-State's National Fund for Student-Athlete Excellence, was founded in 1964 and supports 16 sport programs in an ever-changing environment. From academic programming to facility enhancements, the department is committed to providing Wildcat teams with the resources necessary to succeed at the highest level.
To learn more about how you can support K-State student-athletes, email ahearnfund@kstatesports.com or visit www.ahearnfund.com.
Overall, total cash giving to the department during the 2026 fiscal year totaled $45.7 million, breaking the previous fundraising record set in 2014. Within the total giving amount a new annual fund record was set with $41.2 million in annual gifts, shattering the previous record of $26.3 million set in 2024. Also included in the $41.2 million in annual giving was a department record of $1.17 million raised during the annual Powercat Auction.
"We are grateful for the loyalty and dedication of our fans and supporters as we continue to provide the best academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level," Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "The support of our fans through ticket sales and Ahearn Fund gifts continue to be the lifeblood of our department, and their support is critical even more in this new era of collegiate athletics as we continue to enhance our programs."
The Ahearn Fund, K-State's National Fund for Student-Athlete Excellence, was founded in 1964 and supports 16 sport programs in an ever-changing environment. From academic programming to facility enhancements, the department is committed to providing Wildcat teams with the resources necessary to succeed at the highest level.
To learn more about how you can support K-State student-athletes, email ahearnfund@kstatesports.com or visit www.ahearnfund.com.
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