Illinois State University posted its second highest fundraising year on record last budget year.
University President Larry Dietz told trustees Friday morning that ISU raised nearly $22 million, and it wasn't all that long ago the average was closer to $10 million a year.
Dietz said direct cash contributions were also a bright spot.
"Cash receipts pushed over $16 million, which was the best cash receipt total ever recorded at Illinois State," said Dietz.
Other gifts support scholarships, student life, research, and facilities.
It's also the fourth year in a row annual fundraising has topped $21 million.
"Illinois State alumni and friends are energized by the positive trajectory of the University and this excitement is reflected in our fundraising numbers," said Vice President for University Advancement Pat Vickerman.
Illinois State is also touting success in its comprehensive fundraising campaign.
"Redbird Rising, the campaign for Illinois State University, has achieved 80 percent of the $150 million goal we set for ourselves. More than 44,000 donors have already contributed more than $121 million in outright gifts and commitments and we only went to the public phase last September," said Dietz.
ISU's endowment grew last budget year by 9.1 percent to $126.3 million.
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