Alpha Xi Gives Campaign Exceeds $1.1 Million for Florida A&M University

In a powerful testament to the enduring impact of alumni dedication, the Alpha Xi Gives campaign has announced it has surpassed $1.1 million in cumulative fundraising for Florida A&M University (FAMU). This significant milestone, achieved since the initiative's launch in 2018, underscores a deep commitment to student success and the long-term health of the university. It's a story that highlights the profound difference collective effort can make in supporting educational opportunities for current and future generations.

According to Alpha Xi Gives, this achievement follows a record-setting 2025–26 campaign year, during which the initiative raised more than $315,000. This figure not only contributed substantially to the overall total but also set a new single-year fundraising record for a FAMU affinity group, illustrating remarkable growth and engagement.

A Legacy of Support and Scholarship

Alpha Xi Gives was established by alumni of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a chapter chartered at FAMU in 1933. The organization says that the campaign has successfully mobilized generations of Alpha Xi alumni, members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, FAMU alumni, family members, friends, and supporters. This broad base of support is united by a shared commitment to student success and the university's future.

The funds raised by Alpha Xi Gives are directed towards several critical areas. According to the organization, these include scholarships, student programs, and other university priorities. Crucially, the initiative has also helped establish long-term resources, such as a permanent scholarship endowment. This endowment is designed to provide sustained benefits to FAMU students for many generations to come, creating a lasting legacy of support.

Kenneth M. Neighbors, co-founder of Alpha Xi Gives and chairman of the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors, emphasized the collaborative spirit behind this success. “Surpassing $1.1 million while setting a new single-year fundraising record reflects what is possible when alumni unite around a shared purpose,” Neighbors stated, according to Alpha Xi Gives. “This milestone belongs to the many members of Kappa Alpha Psi, alumni, friends and supporters who have invested in FAMU and its students.”

The Model Behind the Milestone

The success of the Alpha Xi Gives campaign can be attributed to its strategic and inclusive fundraising approach. The organization highlights a sustained, relationship-based model that combines consistent alumni engagement, peer-to-peer outreach, donor recognition, and transparent communication with its supporters.

One key aspect of their strategy, Alpha Xi Gives notes, is making philanthropy accessible across multiple giving levels. This approach creates opportunities for both major donors and grassroots supporters to contribute, ensuring that everyone who wishes to participate can play a role in the campaign’s mission to invest in FAMU student excellence. This inclusive philosophy fosters a wider community of giving, reinforcing the idea that every contribution, regardless of size, makes a difference.

For students and parents navigating the costs of higher education, initiatives like Alpha Xi Gives are incredibly important. Scholarships can significantly reduce financial burdens, allowing students to focus more on their studies and less on how to pay for tuition, books, or living expenses. Beyond direct financial aid, the support often extends to enriching student programs that enhance the overall college experience, from academic enrichment to leadership development. Resources like COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor, complement these efforts by offering additional academic support for K-12 and exam prep learners, ensuring students have every tool available to succeed in their educational journey and beyond. Students can find free practice materials and study guides at COSMIQ's practice hub.

Looking Forward: Expanding Philanthropy

Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, Ed.D., Senior Vice President for Advancement & Enterprise Partnerships & Innovation at Florida A&M University, also shared her perspective on the achievement. “This milestone belongs to every Rattler, friend, and partner who has invested in our students and our university,” Tatum-Fedrick commented, according to Alpha Xi Gives. “We remain committed to building on this success and advancing affinity group philanthropy across FAMU to even greater heights.”

As the campaign moves into its next phase, Alpha Xi Gives leaders state their focus remains on increasing participation and expanding long-term support for students. They also aim to encourage other affinity groups within FAMU to recognize the profound impact that collective alumni philanthropy can have on the university's future. This vision extends beyond their own initiative, seeking to inspire a broader culture of giving within the FAMU community.

The $1.1 million milestone and the single-year fundraising record will be celebrated during FAMU Homecoming in Tallahassee, with Alpha Xi Gives and its supporters being recognized during activities on October 23–24, 2026. This recognition will honor the collective contributions of the alumni and supporters who made this significant achievement possible. It's a moment to celebrate not just the funds raised, but the enduring spirit of community and dedication to education.

For students preparing for university or navigating their current studies, understanding the role of alumni support can be motivating. It demonstrates a network of individuals who believe in their potential and are willing to invest in their future. This kind of community backing can be a powerful source of encouragement, reinforcing the idea that they are part of a larger, supportive educational ecosystem. For additional academic support, students can explore COSMIQ's free voice AI tutoring, available forever for every K-12 student.

The Alpha Xi Gives campaign serves as a compelling example of how dedicated alumni can profoundly influence the trajectory of their alma mater and its students. Their ongoing commitment highlights the vital role philanthropy plays in sustaining and enhancing educational excellence.