In a world searching for positive change, we have a rare opportunity to rebuild in a more inclusive and responsible way.
Deeply rooted in one of the world’s most diverse city regions, U of T brings a comprehensive approach to solving complex social, economic and health issues at scale. Our unrivalled commitment to excellence, inclusion and removing barriers to higher education opens up worlds of opportunity for students.
Defy Gravity: The Campaign for the University of Toronto will harness the power of our global community, including 680,000 alumni, 95,000 students, and 23,000 faculty and staff to fuel this vital work.
Together, we defy gravity
When the University of Toronto and its supporters rally together, we can achieve incredible things.
By peering into a life unlike your own, you can sympathize with others in an intimate way. The arts and humanities can be powerful catalysts for social change.
![Two people look on in awe at a wall-sized screen that displays a mountain view.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/screen.jpg)
![Two violinists play in an orchestra. Their faces are lit up by tiny lights on their music stands.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/violins-1.jpg)
![Miyopin Cheechoo dances, wearing traditional Indigenous regalia with moccasins, fringed shawl and a feather in her headband.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dancer.jpg)
I believe that done ethically and equitably, energy can help to develop nations and lift people out of poverty.
![Wind turbines scattered across the prairie are silhouetted against a sunny sky.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/turbines.jpg)
Our campaign has two ambitious goals to meet today’s challenges
![A drawing of stylized male and female figures standing in a group. Image represents U of T’s alumni engagement goal.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/alumni-icon.png)
For the first time in U of T history, the campaign will include a goal for alumni engagement: to inspire 225,000 alumni to get involved as volunteers, mentors, donors, participants and leaders and encourage them to contribute their time and talent to the university one million times collectively.
![A drawing of three raised hands. Image represents U of T’s fundraising goal.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/give-icon-1.png)
The campaign will also seek to raise $4 billion for the university’s highest priorities, a goal commensurate with our excellence, the breadth of our aspirations, the global footprint of our faculty, students, alumni, and donors, and our potential for life-changing impact.
Explore how we’re addressing the most urgent issues of our time
![Students conducting a simulated research project.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/UofT19680_DSC_2203-scaled.jpg)
The Black Research Network is forging connections, amplifying world-changing research and sparking interdisciplinary collaborations between Black scholars.
![A woman wears a lab coat, gloves, goggles and a hijab. She decants a clear liquid while standing at a bench full of beakers.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Initiative-09-CMC-2048x1856-1.jpg)
The Centre for Medicinal Chemistry has made significant breakthroughs in redefining the methods and economics of drug discovery.
![A person wearing protective gloves adjusts a fastening on a solar panel.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Initiative-12-Climate-Positive-2048x1856-1-1.jpg)
The Climate Positive Energy Initiative unites world-leading scholars with industry, community and government to develop tools that can prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
![A toddler peers into a virtual reality headset strapped to her head. She is in a room lit with blue light.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Initiative-15-DSI-2048x1856-1.jpg)
The Data Sciences Institute draws actionable and ethical insights from the vast amounts of information collected around the world.
![An artist’s drawing of a two-storey, oval building with glass walls on one end. It sits in a garden of birch trees.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Initiative-24-Indigenous-House-2048x1856-1.jpg)
Indigenous House at U of T Scarborough will help foster a sense of belonging and connection with rich programming and gathering spaces.
![A close-up on the hands of two people, clasped together across a table.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Initiative-33-Mental-Health-2048x1856-1.jpg)
The Student & Youth Mental Health Research Initiative is working with students to ensure they have the support they need to realize their potential—in academia and beyond.
Discover our campaign priorities
The campaign will advance U of T’s commitment to inclusive excellence and help the university bring together people from every conceivable background to create a healthier, more sustainable and equitable world.Latest news and stories
From regenerating organs to inventing cutting-edge technology to reinventing undergraduate education, our community is making a critical difference.
![Portrait of Chelsi Ricketts](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ChelsiRicketFeature.jpeg)
![Group shot of the award recipients](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PeterboroughFeature.jpeg)
Ways to participate
There are many ways to participate in the Defy Gravity campaign. Donate to an initiative that resonates with you, share your expertise or story, or connect with our diverse and vibrant global community of more than 680,000 alumni and friends.
![An image of 2 young women looking at a robotic arm: the image is next to the mentorship opportunities link.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Students_Research_robotics-scaled.jpg)
reach their full potential
When you share your time and expertise, you help prepare the next generation of leaders. Make a difference to our students—and to yourself!
![An image of the audience in a lecture theatre, laughing: the image is next to the alumni events link.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/card-2-1.jpg)
at alumni events
Our lively events roster connects U of T alumni to fascinating people and ideas around the world. Learn the bold questions we’re asking. Become part of the conversation.
![An image of a person writing in a notebook: the image is next to the link for sharing your own U of T story.](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/download.jpg)
to inspire others
Tell us about a U of T professor, scholarship or experience that has helped you grow—or share how participating in the U of T community is meaningful to you today.