10/24/08

Donors to KU Break Fundraising Record

Support for students increases by 15 percent

The University of Kansas benefited from record-breaking support from private donors in fiscal 2008.

KU Endowment distributed $112.1 million in support to KU’s four campuses in fiscal 2008, which ended June 30, including a 15 percent increase in student support over the 2007 fiscal year. More than 6,500 students receive support from KU Endowment funds.

Student support (scholarships, fellowships, awards and loans) grew from $27.9 million last year to $32.2 million. Over the past five years, student support has increased steadily, totaling $136.3 million. Donors created 43 new endowed scholarships in fiscal 2008, with gifts totaling $12.3 million. These scholarships will benefit students in perpetuity.

The amount of money raised, the amount distributed to the University of Kansas and the number of donors were the highest in KU Endowment’s 117-year history.

Donors gave a total of $94 million in outright gifts and pledges, a 21 percent increase over fiscal 2007. An additional $11.1 million came in the form of deferred gifts, which will benefit KU in the future. The number of donors totaled 45,014, breaking the previous record, set last year, of 43,400.

“We are humbled by the generosity of our donors,” said Dale Seuferling, president of KU Endowment. “Every gift, large and small, expresses their belief in KU.”

Private gifts provide a margin of excellence at KU, helping it achieve distinction among the nation’s top universities. Donors fund virtually all scholarships for deserving students. Their gifts also help recruit renowned faculty through professorships and awards; support innovative programs; enable construction of facilities; and fund promising research. More

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