Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

U. of I. sets new standards in fundraising marks

The U. of I. and the U. of I. Foundation had another record-setting year in fundraising for the fiscal year that ended June 30.

The university and the foundation established a record for new gifts, grants, pledges and deferred commitments of $428 million for FY13. This is the first time that the university has surpassed the $400 million mark. The previous high was $367.4 million in FY07.

The Urbana campus recorded more than $342 million in new business during FY13. UIC was at the $75 million mark while UIS was at $2.4 million.

The university received 144,820 gifts during FY13 – an increase of 2 percent compared to a year ago.

“Our 2013 fundraising performance is the result of the enthusiastic support of the university’s alumni, friends and other donors – and the sense that the university is on the move,” said Thomas J. Farrell, the president and CEO of the U. of I. Foundation. “As we all know, these gifts are essential investments in the university’s mission, and create the ‘margin of excellence’ financial support that sustains the great work of our faculty – and the activities and aspirations of our students. We are eager to maintain this momentum and are looking forward to next year.”

UIF, which was established 77 years ago, is dedicated to securing and administering private gifts for the U. of I. and its three campuses. Since its inception in 1935, UIF has been instrumental in securing and administering more than $5 billion in gifts for the university.

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