The 2026 Community Engagement Classification cohort was announced on January 12, 2026, recognizing 237 institutions and 48 first-time recipients.
About the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
"This year’s cohort includes 48 first-time recipients and spans public and private institutions, Minority Serving Institutions, and campuses rooted in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the country. While community engagement takes many forms, these institutions share a deep commitment to working alongside their neighbors. We celebrate the ways they strengthen civic life and contribute to the well-being of the communities they call home.
We are also pleased to share that the University of San Diego will serve as the administrative and operational host for the Community Engagement Classification for the 2029 and 2032 cycles. As an anchor institution with a strong tradition of civic partnership, USD brings valuable experience to this role, and we look forward to this next chapter of stewardship and collaboration."
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, developed by the Carnegie Foundation, continues to shine a light on institutions that make community partnership central to their mission, values, and daily work. As one of the most respected Elective Classifications in higher education, this designation recognizes campuses that demonstrate a deep, sustained commitment to working alongside their communities in meaningful and measurable ways.
The 2026 Community Engagement Classification cohort reflects the breadth and diversity of engaged higher education across the country. This year’s recognized institutions include public and private colleges and universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and campuses rooted in rural, suburban, and urban communities. While each institution approaches community engagement differently, all share a common belief that higher education plays a vital role in supporting civic life and community well-being.
Institutions receiving the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification show that engagement is not a one-time initiative or isolated program. It is embedded in learning, leadership, and institutional culture. These campuses demonstrate the leadership, coordination, and collaboration required to build reciprocal partnerships that benefit students, faculty, staff, and community partners alike.
GivePulse and the Carnegie Foundation
GivePulse is proud to be a partner of the Carnegie Foundation and to serve as the host technology platform for the application process across elective classifications. Through this partnership, GivePulse supports institutions in documenting engagement efforts, organizing data, and telling their story of impact through their service, learning, and partnerships. Together, we share a commitment to strengthening the infrastructure that supports community engagement across higher education.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all institutions recognized in the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Your work continues to shape the future and demonstrates what is possible when institutions center service, partnership, and shared purpose with their communities.
See the full list of the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification cohort
About GivePulse
GivePulse's mission is to enable everyone in the world to participate and engage in lifting their community to new heights. We do so by providing a platform to list, find, organize, and measure the impact of service-learning, community engagement, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and volunteerism.
Founded in 2012 in Austin, Texas, GivePulse works with 650,000+ groups, including colleges and universities, nonprofits, businesses, K-12/school districts, and cities and municipalities. Together, we connect millions of people in an effort to create positive social change.
Ready to see how we can help you achieve your community engagement goals? Schedule a demo with GivePulse today.