University of Arkansas Fundraising Exceeds 2015 Fiscal Year Goal

Photo by Matt Reynolds

Old Main on the University of Arkansas campus.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas raised $116.5 million in private gift support in fiscal year 2015, surpassing the $100 million mark for the fifth consecutive year and marking the fourth-best year in the university’s fundraising history.

The amount raised surpassed the university’s goal of $112 million and included gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind, planned gifts and new pledges to the U of A received from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015.

“Thanks to our donors, we had an outstanding year,” said Chris Wyrick, vice chancellor for university advancement. “The university’s alumni and friends are incredibly loyal and can see the difference their investments are making on our campus. Students, faculty, staff, programs and facilities are all benefiting from their generosity, and we are becoming a stronger university as a result.”

Approximately $20.8 million of the total amount raised, or nearly 18 percent, was allocated for endowed funds and will add to the university’s overall endowment total. Cash receipts, which include pledge payments, outright gifts and estate and planned gift distributions, reached nearly $98 million in fiscal year 2015.

“I commend Chancellor Emeritus G. David Gearhart, Vice Chancellor Chris Wyrick and the entire advancement team on their outstanding year,” said interim Chancellor Dan Ferritor. “Our benefactors are dedicated, strong and responsible for our continued fundraising success. They care deeply about the future of our campus and have always been willing to step up to make a difference.”

Of the $116.5 million raised during the 2015 fiscal year, 30 percent came from individuals such as alumni, friends, parents, faculty and staff. Another 33 percent came from corporations, while 27 percent came from foundations and 10 percent came from other organizations, including trusts and estates. All gifts are designated and allocated for specific purposes set forth by each donor and used solely for those purposes.

Students and programs were supported with 40 percent of the money raised, while 40 percent supported capital improvements, 10 percent supported faculty and staff and 10 percent supported other initiatives. The campus brought in a record-setting 91,728 outright gifts and new pledges from 49,570 benefactors during the fiscal year.

“Our deans, faculty and staff deserve thanks for their continuing dedication to this campaign,” Wyrick said. “I am honored to work with the staff we have in University Advancement and am very proud of all we have accomplished together. We not only acknowledge what our donors mean to us, but we also strengthen as a team through volunteer work to the campus and our community.”

Fundraising totals reached $121.3 million in 2011, $108.1 million in 2012, $108.4 million in 2013 and $113.3 million in 2014.

“I would like to congratulate the University of Arkansas and its Division of Advancement on another stellar fundraising year,” said alumnus Ben Hyneman of Jonesboro, chairman of the UA System board of trustees and Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee member. “It is encouraging to see our state’s flagship performing so well and connecting with donors who want to invest in higher education. I am proud of their success and appreciate the leaders who have stepped up amidst this time of change.”

Alumnus Lee Bodenhamer of Little Rock and his wife, Beverly, also serve as Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee members.

“Our involvement with the university over the years has given us the opportunity to see how private gift support has already benefitted the entire campus, as well as the transformational possibilities that are still ahead,” Lee Bodenhamer said. “Thanks to our campus’ growth and the number of volunteers and benefactors involved in giving back, our university has more momentum than ever.”

Private gift support continues to be a critical component to the university’s success, as it adds to the academic opportunities available to faculty, staff and students on campus. These contributions enhance all aspects of the student experience, including academic and need-based scholarships, technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, study abroad opportunities and innovative programs. The university makes every effort to align donors’ giving interests with campus priorities.

About Campaign Arkansas: Campaign Arkansas is the University of Arkansas’ capital campaign that seeks to continue the transformation started by the billon-dollar Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. It is currently in the organizational phase.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.