Donors to the University Fund, the annual giving program of the West Virginia University Foundation, gave a record $21.4 million in fiscal year 2015.

The previous record was $21.3 million donated in fiscal year 2012.

The $21.4 million is part of an overall $125 million in gifts and pledges by donors to WVU between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015, the second highest fiscal year of giving ever in the Foundation’s history. Foundation officials say 20,395 individual donors made 37,701 gifts to West Virginia University through the University Fund between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015.

“We have alumni and friends who have passion for West Virginia University and continue to make an investment in our students and programs that will secure a bright future for our state and the region.” said Greg McCracken, senior director of the University Fund.

Contributions to the University Fund can range from $1 to $24,999. The majority of these donations – around 65 percent – are made through the mail. Another 20 percent comes from the Foundation’s telemarketing program called Mountaineer Line in which WVU students work part-time engaging alumni and friends via telephone. Another 10-15 percent of the University Fund’s gift are made online.

The percentage of total donors to the University Fund for fiscal year 2015 came 51 percent from alumni, 37 percent from individuals and 7 percent from corporate. Sole proprietorships, foundations and donor-advised funds make up the remainder.

“The University Fund’s success is also due to the fact that our development staff across WVU is listening to donors and showing them how they can make an impact through their annual support of our various programs,” McCracken added.

Gifts to the University Fund go to programs in every college and school at WVU, Athletics, WVU Children’s Hospital, WVU Alumni Association, and many others.

University Fund contributions count in the Foundation’s historic $1 billion fundraising effort A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. Through June 30, 2015, the Campaign has raised $898.1 million with two-and-half-years remaining.

-WVUF-

bn/07/22/2015

CONTACT: Bill Nevin, WVU Foundation
304-284-4056; wnevin@wvuf.org

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