Record Number of Gifts and Benefactors Makes For Successful Fundraising Year at University of Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The 2009 fiscal year ended June 30, and the university recorded 62,832 outright gifts and new pledges from 32,194 benefactors, both record highs for the institution. Last year, 50,916 outright gifts and new pledges came from 26,816 benefactors. This results in 23.4 percent more gifts from 20 percent more donors over the previous year. The university also saw the highest number of first-time donors, with 10,389 new benefactors compared to last year’s 6,860, or a 51.4 percent increase.

The campus recorded $74.4 million in private gift support during the 2009 fiscal year, compared to $91.8 million during the 2008 fiscal year. This number includes outright gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind, planned gifts and new pledges received from July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009. Of this total, $17.3 million was designated to support athletics and the Razorback Foundation.

Cash receipts, which include pledge payments, outright gifts and estate and planned gift distributions, totaled $82.8 million compared to $92.8 million last year.

“There is no question that the economy has a significant impact on individuals’ philanthropic decisions,” said Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Looking at the past year, it is clear that while gift size may have declined overall, the desire to give and to have an impact on higher education in our state is very much alive. This past year, we saw a record number of benefactors supporting our institution, and we are very appreciative of that support.”

 “My appreciation for those who give only grows during times of financial struggle,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “There are countless ways our alumni and friends can spend their money, and knowing they value the University of Arkansas enough to make us a priority is an outstanding testament to the strength of the Arkansas family. I offer my personal thanks to every individual and every organization that chooses to support our efforts financially. So much of what we do would be impossible without private gifts.”

Of the $74.4 million raised for academic and athletic programs in 2008-09, 37.8 percent came from individual alumni and friends, 41.4 percent came from corporations, 5.1 percent came from foundations and 15.7 percent came from organizations. While 48 percent supported students and programs, 34 percent supported capital improvements, 15 percent supported faculty and staff and 3 percent supported other initiatives.

The non-endowed total was $67.5 million, and these funds were made available for current use. The remaining $6.9 million, or 9.3 percent, went toward the university’s endowment.

Private gift support is critical to ensure success for University of Arkansas students. Benefactors’ gifts have an impact on a wide variety of areas that improve student life, including academic scholarships, study abroad opportunities, classroom technology enhancements, need-based efforts like Access Arkansas, and student and faculty research. Donors have the option to designate their gifts to the areas of campus that interest them the most.