New College’s donor surge signals confidence in its transformation

At New College of Florida, the story unfolding right now is one of confidence, conviction, and community belief in what this institution represents and where it is going. You can see this in the most recent philanthropic gifts we have received.

Since the College began its transformation in 2023, the New College Foundation’s assets have grown from $39 million to $54 million. That is a nearly 40% increase in three years, a remarkable trajectory for any institution, and an extraordinary one for a public liberal arts college.

This kind of growth happens because donors see where we are headed and the incredible successes at New College. They see leadership making bold decisions and a college recommitting itself to academic excellence, free speech, and a classical liberal arts education.

In 2025 alone, New College received or secured more than $7 million in gifts and pledges, nearly a 200% increase over the average annual fundraising totals before 2023. These contributions came from individuals, families, foundations, and community partners who believe in the College’s mission. These gifts support everything from academic programming and public engagement to endowed funds, and signature initiatives that will shape campus life for generations.

Among them are transformational investments such as a $2,500,000 gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation for the Contemplative Center, $1,000,000 from Michael and Ling Markovitz for the Socratic Stage, a $1,000,000 gift from Steve and Natalee Herrig, and a $150,00 donation from Thomas and Maureen Steiner.

These major gifts are part of a broader culture of giving: nearly 2,500 donors contributed to New College in 2025 through events, annual giving, and targeted support. This is more than a 90% increase compared to 2022.

As the Foundation’s executive director, I have the privilege of working closely with donors, and what I hear from them is incredible. Donors want to invest in institutions that stand for something. They want to support students who are challenged to think critically and engage seriously with the world. And they want to know that their gifts will be stewarded responsibly and transparently, with a long-term impact.

These donations demonstrate that New College’s transformation is visible, and our community is starting to take notice of the work we are doing to make New College the nation’s number one liberal arts college.

Philanthropy is ultimately about belief in the future. At New College, that belief is strong and growing stronger every day.

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Sydney Gruters is vice president and executive director of the New College Foundation.