An aerial shot of U of T St. George campus

In a world searching for positive change, U of T is leading the way to a better future.

Inspired by U of T’s fundamental commitment to inclusive excellence, Defy Gravity: The Campaign for the University of Toronto is bringing together the university’s global community to create life-changing opportunities for brilliant students and scholars from every background and experience and helping find innovative solutions to the challenges clouding our future.

Thanks to our generous supporters, the campaign is already having immense impact on our students, our community and the world. Read the story.

Ways to participate

Give now

Campaign goals

As the most comprehensive campaign in Canadian university history, Defy Gravity has two ambitious goals—including, for the first time ever, an alumni engagement goal.

To inspire 225,000 alumni to contribute their time and talent 1,000,000 times

We’re inspiring more alumni than ever before to get involved in meaningful ways. Engaged alumni contribute to every aspect of U of T’s mission, enabling students to achieve their dreams.

To raise $4 billion in funds to support the university’s highest priorities

The funds we’re raising are creating life-changing opportunities for brilliant students and scholars to develop innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.

Learn about the campaign’s transformational impact

Stories of innovation, discovery and student success.

U of T's Front Campus, showing the location of the new James and Louise Temerty Building opposite Convocation Hall.

University of Toronto receives single largest gift in Canadian history from James and Louise Temerty to support advances in human health and health care

University of Toronto receives grant from TD Bank Group to empower Black Canadians in the workforce

A life-altering accident forced Beau Hayward to confront his future — and profound barriers

Students walking outside of New College, where the African Studies and Caribbean Studies programs originated, on a fall day.

University of Toronto announces historic $5-million gift in support of African Studies and Caribbean Studies programs

A close up image of Favour Aina smiling.

Dr. Mary A. Wright Award invests in Black and Indigenous social work students

An architectural rendering of the Sam Ibrahim Centre for Inclusive Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership

Groundbreaking partnership will boost inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation in Scarborough and the Eastern GTA

New Science Building opens doors to expanded life science innovation in Mississauga and beyond

Composite image of Alice Lo, Naaz Sibia and Elo Igor

How donor support is helping three U of T students create a better tomorrow

The Landmark Project realizes a bold new vision for one of U of T’s most iconic spaces

A rendering of the new SAMIH building in Scarborough.

U of T receives $25-million gift from Myron and Berna Garron for Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health

New scholarship aims to remove barriers to entry for Black engineering students

Acclaimed scholar John Borrows named The Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law at U of T’s Faculty of Law

A young man runs on a treadmill, wearing a mask to measure his breathing. A young woman operates the controls.

U of T and Sinai Health announce new gift from Larry and Judy Tanenbaum to establish the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport

A rendering of the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre

$100-million gift from Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman will power Canadian Innovation and explore the intersection of technology and society

U of T music and art history students gain meaningful learning exchanges between France and Canada, thanks to Fondation DRG