LOS ANGELES — California State University, Los Angeles closed the most successful fundraising year in its history in Fiscal Year 2026, securing $55.8 million in philanthropic commitments to advance student success, academic excellence, and community impact across Los Angeles.

The record-setting year was anchored by a landmark $48 million grant from Ballmer Group, the largest philanthropic commitment in Cal State LA history and the sixth-largest gift in California State University system history.

The transformational grant expands Cal State LA’s capacity to address the urgent youth mental health crisis in Los Angeles by strengthening the region’s mental health and social work workforce. Directed to the university’s Master of Social Work and School-Based Family Counseling programs, the investment will enable Cal State LA to prepare more than 1,000 new counselors and social workers who reflect and understand the communities they will serve.

The funding will deepen Cal State LA’s longstanding partnerships with K-12 school districts and community agencies by increasing access to high-quality, culturally responsive mental health services for children, adolescents, and families in under-resourced communities across Los Angeles. The majority of the grant will provide scholarships for students, reducing financial barriers and helping graduates transition into public and nonprofit careers that address the growing mental health needs of youth.

“This historic year reflects the extraordinary confidence our philanthropic partners have in Cal State LA and in the promise of our students,” said Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. “We are deeply grateful to Ballmer Group and to all those whose support transforms lives by expanding educational opportunity, strengthening our communities, and preparing the next generation of leaders and professionals for LA.”

The unprecedented fundraising total was made possible through the generosity of alumni, friends, foundations, corporations, organizations, and the campus community who invested in scholarships, academic programs, faculty support, research, and initiatives that advance Cal State LA’s mission as the premier public university in the heart of Los Angeles.

“This record-breaking year demonstrates what is possible when donors and partners believe in the transformative power of higher education,” said Cal State LA Vice President for University Advancement Jeff Poltorak. “We especially appreciate Ballmer Group for its visionary grant supporting our students and the future mental health workforce, while also celebrating the many donors whose collective generosity strengthens every corner of our university.”

The university extends its sincere appreciation to Ballmer Group and to the many supporters whose generosity made this historic fundraising year possible. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, advancing student success, and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the Los Angeles region.

The record-setting fiscal year underscores Cal State LA’s growing momentum as philanthropic support continues to expand opportunities for students and deepen the university’s role as an engine of educational access, workforce development, and community impact.

California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 260,000 distinguished alumni.