RALEIGH, NC (October 7, 2025) – The Wake Tech Foundation is celebrating a record-breaking year of fundraising, driven by the extraordinary generosity and commitment of its valued donors.

The Foundation raised $8.7 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year, exceeding the previous year's total by $600,000. These critical funds supported scholarships, student support, faculty and staff innovation and technology.

"The Wake Tech Foundation staff and our board of directors are energized by the amazing support offered by our donors," said Vice President of Development Matt Smith. "We are especially grateful for the response to our REACH (community scholarships) and RALLY (emergency aid) programs. People understand Wake Tech's key role in improving economic mobility and changing lives, and we appreciate their generosity."

Corporate giving accounted for 47% of the total raised. The Foundation also raised $1,976,000 in individual contributions. Donor highlights:

• Duke Energy Foundation: $50,000& grant to enhance Wake Tech's unique undergraduate research program. The funding will help pay student interns and faculty mentors in the STEM Academic Research & Training (START) program, as well as provide supplies needed for their research.
• Truist: $100,000 to continue support of Wake Tech's Student Money Management program, which provides resources, tools and financial education to help students make informed financial decisions.
• Gregory Poole Equipment Co.: in-demand apprenticeship opportunities for students in Wake Tech's Construction Equipment Systems Technology Diploma program. Apprentices attend classes two days a week. The remainder of the week is spent at one of Gregory Poole's locations, where they learn how to troubleshoot and repair diesel engines, power trains, transmissions, braking systems and hydraulics on heavy equipment.
• Dr. Lavanya Nagaraj, a board-certified dermatologist with Blue Ridge Dermatology, and Sharat Nagaraj, a member of the Wake Tech Board of Trustees and founder of Raleigh technology firm Celito: established the Nagaraj Family Nest Endowment to provide a permanent and recurring source of funds for The Nest, Wake Tech's food pantry. The funds will be used to purchase bulk food items.

A significant portion of the money raised last year supported student scholarships. In total, the Foundation awarded 2,163 scholarships valued at more than $1,246,000. This included 445 scholarships dedicated to degree-seeking students. The Foundation awarded 171 scholarships to first-generation college applicants. Additionally, 101 scholarships went to veterans and their family members.

The Wake Tech Foundation's mission is to make an education possible for anyone who wants one so that the region remains the best place to live and work in the world. Read the Foundation's Impact Report. To learn more about giving through the Wake Tech Foundation, visit foundation.waketech.edu.

October 2025

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