Private giving for KU reaches $253.2 million
LAWRENCE — University of Kansas alumni and friends set a new milestone in generosity, donating more than $253.2 million for KU in fiscal 2014, which ended June 30. This record is 45 percent higher than last year’s total of $174.2 million. Contributions were made to KU Endowment in support of the university and The University of Kansas Hospital. They included $193.1 million in the form of outright gifts, pledges and life income gifts, $59.1 million in deferred gift commitments and $1 million in contributions made directly to KU. Donors earmark the overwhelming majority of their gifts for specific purposes.
“This record of private giving from our alumni and friends demonstrates their belief in KU to be a beacon of hope for today and for future generations,” said Drue Jennings, chair of the Board of Trustees of KU Endowment.
Giving highlights in fiscal 2014: seven new professorships; 91 new scholarships and fellowships; and leadership gifts for new facilities, including Capitol Federal Hall, the DeBruce Center, the Earth, Energy and Environment Center, and the hospital’s Cambridge North project.
“The generosity of Jayhawks is tremendous, and their donations are vital to advancing our mission of educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.
Bob Page, president and CEO of The University of Kansas Hospital, said, “Our donors are the best! They truly understand the financial constraints on health care as well as our goal to be the most successful hospital in the country and how our partnership with KU Endowment is part of our success.”
The fiscal 2014 gifts count toward Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, a $1.2 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign. Through June 30, donors had given $1.15 billion for the campaign.
“While our Far Above campaign will continue through 2016, we’re already seeing the fruits of it today through increased support for outstanding students and faculty, promising research and innovative facilities,” said Dale Seuferling, president of KU Endowment.
Far Above is a comprehensive campaign that seeks support to educate future leaders, advance medicine, accelerate discovery and drive economic growth to seek the opportunities of the future.
The campaign is managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university. The University of Kansas Hospital is a partner in philanthropy with KU Endowment.