Over the last few months, fundraising at the University has entered a new chapter. For example, in May 2026, Wilberforce raised nearly $750,000 in direct gifts, including $120,000 generated during commencement. Moreover, during the most recent period the University has secured nearly $2,000,000 in new grants. These grants include among others $723,982 through the Strengthening Minority Serving Institutions Graduate Studies Programming initiative, which will enhance graduate-level offerings and expand opportunities for advanced scholarship: $539,108 from the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s (ODHE) Choose Ohio First program. This five–year investment, starting in 2025–2026, will provide annual scholarship support ranging from $80,000 to $100,000, helping identify and retain talented students facing high–demand STEM fields. Other significant grants include $90,000 annual award (2023–2025) from NAMI Franklin County to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
In conjunction with these numbers the University has hired Dr. Grant Winrow to serve as the Vice President of Advancement. Prior to his arrival at Wilberforce University Dr. Winrow served as Vice President for Advancement at Lincoln University, and as Chief of Staff at Tennessee State University.
While many of the strategies that led to these increases were in process prior to Dr. Winrow’s arrival, much of the resources generated have come from a deliberate shift in strategy. According to Winrow, one key element in increasing giving consists of asking for gifts in new, but industry proven ways. For example, immediately upon his arrival in April, he began asking alum to consider a gift of $170 to mark the 170th anniversary of the University, resulting in multiple donations and pledges. In May, he challenged alum to support graduates by assisting with paying off balances, which led to alum clearing 10 student accounts.
Dr. Winrow brings to Wilberforce a proven record of accomplishment of elevating advancement programs through intentional donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, and integrated communications. His leadership is centered on moving the institution toward a more coordinated, relationship-driven fundraising model that aligns internal efforts with external opportunity.
Building on this momentum, Wilberforce University is not only celebrating past fundraising success but also strategically leveraging new investments to drive measurable impact across campus. These targeted awards reflect a deliberate focus on expanding academic opportunities, strengthening student support systems, and enhancing institutional capacity.
Collectively, these investments reflect Wilberforce University’s strategic focus on strengthening academic programs, enhancing student support systems, and building a resilient, forward-progressing University.
Media Contact
Lena Arnold
larnold@wilberforce.edu
937-708-5532
