University of Arkansas Exceeds Fundraising Goal, Sees Record Number of Gifts and Benefactors

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Private Gifts Total $86.7 Million

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The 2010 fiscal year ended June 30, and the University of Arkansas recorded $86.7 million in private gift support against the $85.4 million goal set for the year. This total is a 17 percent increase over last year’s private gift total, $74.4 million.

The campus recorded 73,299 outright gifts and new pledges from 41,650 benefactors during the 2010 fiscal year, both record highs for the institution. Last year, 62,832 outright gifts and new pledges came from 32,194 benefactors, which were record numbers at that time. These results show a 16 percent increase in number of gifts from 29 percent more benefactors. The university also saw the highest number of first-time donors, with 12,002 new benefactors compared to last year’s 10,389. Since the 2008 fiscal year, there has been a 75 percent increase in first-time donors.

“The university is proud to announce such outstanding fundraising results for the 2010 fiscal year,” said Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Our economy remains in a state of uncertainty, and while many institutions of higher education are struggling to raise the private support greatly depended on by students and faculty, the Razorback family has shown enduring commitment to education. I cannot show my appreciation enough for the alumni and friends of the university who make it possible for the exceptional Arkansas experience our students deserve to be not only continued, but constantly improved.”

The $86.7 million total includes outright gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind, planned gifts and new pledges received from July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. Of this total, $14.8 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 $89.1 million compared to $82.8 million last year.

 “I hope every benefactor of the University of Arkansas realizes the difference they are making each time they include our institution in their philanthropic decisions,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “We simply could not do what we do without private support. I also want to acknowledge the tremendous work of the University of Arkansas staff who foster these important relationships and create opportunities for our benefactors to make gifts in ways that support the areas of campus they wish to help. We are fortunate to have a passionate team of professionals on this campus.”

Of the $86.7 million raised for academic and athletic programs in 2009-10, 38.9 percent came from individual alumni and friends, 40.8 percent came from corporations, 15.5 percent came from foundations and 4.8 percent came from organizations. While 36 percent supported students and programs, 48 percent supported capital improvements, 11 percent supported faculty and staff and 5 percent supported other initiatives.

The non-endowed total was $78.6 million, and these funds were made available for current use. The remaining $8.1 million, or 9.3 percent, went toward the university’s endowment.

Private gift support is critical to ensure success for University of Arkansas students and faculty. Benefactors’ gifts have an impact on a wide variety of areas that improve students’ overall experience, including academic and need-based scholarships, classroom technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, and study abroad opportunities. Every effort is made to align donors’ gift interests with important campus priorities.