Illinois State University raised $32.2 million last fiscal year. That's the third highest total ever and the first time the university topped $30 million without an individual gift of more than $10 million. The total the previous year was $25.1 million.
“From scholarships for students to opportunities that advance research and allow for investments in infrastructure, private contributions strengthen our campus. We could not achieve the level of excellence for which Illinois State University is known were it not for donor support," said university president Terri Goss Kinzy.
The institution received gifts from 14,475 donors. Illinois State’s own giving day, "Birds Give Back," raised $960,944 from 2,919 donors on Feb. 24.
“We are so grateful to the Illinois State donors who invest in the ISU experience,” said Vice President for University Advancement Pat Vickerman. “Every gift equals a vote of confidence in the significance of Illinois State and creates opportunities for our Redbird students. From private scholarships allowing students to attend ISU, to enhanced program funding that provides students with a distinctive and competitive edge, our donors continue to make a difference for current and future Redbirds.”
A $5 million gift commitment to support the College of Education and University High School boosted the total. The gift was among 27 deferred gift commitments made during the fiscal year that contributed to a future giving pipeline of more than $105 million, said the university.
Donors established 89 new scholarships, adding to Illinois State’s 962 endowed funds under management. More than 2,700 scholarships were awarded during the fiscal year to help recruit and retain students.
Despite market fluctuations, ISU's endowment has grown to more than $196.9 million. The previous year endowment balance was $195.2 million. Eric Burwell, chair of the Illinois State University Foundation's board of directors, said the endowment is a source of "strength and stability" for the university.
