With fewer than six months left in “A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University,” gifts to the comprehensive fundraising effort continue to roll in.
Through June 30, donors have given $1.125 billion to the Campaign, an increase of $26 million over the past three months. The Campaign’s success was bolstered by $139.8 million in new gifts and pledges in FY’17 (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017), the second highest fiscal year of giving ever in the Foundation’s history. Part of that included a record $21.6 million given by donors to the Foundation’s annual giving program, the University Fund.
“We are driving to the finish line full speed,” said WVU Foundation President and CEO Cindi Roth. “We are very thankful to our alumni and friends who have helped put us well over our $1 billion goal early, but the needs of the University remain great. We are going to keep our foot on the accelerator, and encourage those who have not given to the Campaign to do so before December 31.”
Last September, the Foundation announced donations had exceeded the $1 billion mark a year-and-a-half before the December 31 end date.
Through June, 88,207 donors have given 371,227 gifts to the Campaign. This includes 202,101 gifts from 36,387 alumni. The largest percentage of donations to the Campaign, 50 percent, has come from individuals.
"It is extremely gratifying, but not surprising, that West Virginia University alumni, faculty and staff have been so supportive of this campaign and have been a big part of pushing it well past both its original and increased goals," WVU President Gordon Gee said. "This entire effort continues to reflect the deep affection and support of Mountaineers everywhere for their University."
The Campaign is having a wide-ranging impact across the University through the many scholarship, faculty support, research and program funds established by donors.
More than 60 percent of the donations to the Campaign are for direct student support, mostly through scholarships. A special mini-Campaign, “Dream First”, that was started in 2015 to raise $50 million for student scholarships, has brought in more than $58 million from 3,584 donors.
Through June 30, 774 scholarships, 55 faculty chairs and professorships, and 221 new funds to assist research efforts have been created during the Campaign.
One hundred-thirty-six donors have given $1 million or more to the Campaign. Planned giving donations – alumni and friends who have remembered WVU in their estate plans – account for $85 million of the Campaign total. An additional $58.6 million comes from those who have established life income gifts that will ultimately benefit the University in the form of charitable annuities or trusts through the Foundation.
“Whether it’s through a cash donation or a gift left in your estate, every gift, large or small, matters,” Roth said. “You don’t want to miss out being part of this historical Campaign while at the same time, helping our great University.”
Foundation Vice President for Development and Chief Development Officer B.J. Davisson added, “Investing in WVU can open doors of opportunity and ultimately change lives for the better. Now more than ever, as higher education costs increase and available funding decreases, private support is critical. We encourage alumni and friends who have not given to the Campaign to do so now.”
For information on how to support the Campaign, visit www.astateofminds.com or call the WVU Foundation at 800.847.3856.
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CONTACT: Bill Nevin, WVU Foundation
304.284.4056; wnevin@wvuf.org
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.