The University of Georgia received a record $77.8 million in private gifts and pledges in the fiscal year that ended June 30, an eight percent increase over the previous year’s $72.05 million. This marks the fourth consecutive year of a new record in private donations. Gift receipts came from 53,919 contributors, the largest number of donors ever to give to UGA in a single year.
Giving through the annual fund program totalled a record $8.2 million, up 7.5 percent over the previous year. Fifteen contributors made gifts or commitments of $1 million or more. Private gifts and pledges to UGA have set a new record each year since FY 2000, when they totalled $48.3 million.
“Private gifts are what enable the University of Georgia to attain, and maintain, academic excellence despite shrinking state support and increasing competition for the best students and faculty,” said UGA President Michael F. Adams. “I commend our deans, our development officers, and all those who have been so effective in making the case for private support, and I especially thank the nearly 54,000 donors who supported the university so generously.”
Steve Wrigley, senior vice president for external affairs, noted that the gifts provide a significant boost to UGA’s capital campaign, which completed its third year on June 30.
“The campaign is a team effort that requires cooperation and commitment from many people who want a stronger University of Georgia,” said Wrigley. “The donors from last year share the vision and goals of the campaign, and their support is keeping it on a very positive upward spiral.”
Robert Hawkins, associate vice president for development, added that while the gifts come from a wide range of supporters, they are all aimed at improving the university’s educational quality.
“Fund raising is about connecting the right people–the right faculty member, department head, researcher or volunteer–with the right alumnus, friend, corporate leader or foundation officer,” Hawkins said. “There are many stakeholders and lots of opportunities for involvement, and the number of these connections is expanding every day.”
Gifts and pledges for instruction, research and outreach totalled $55.3 million, up more than 30 percent from $41.9 million the previous year. These donations are used to fund scholarships and fellowships for students; recruit outstanding new faculty; provide travel and research support for current faculty; and buy new classroom and lab equipment and books, periodicals and other materials for libraries.
Gifts and pledges for athletic and seating priority purposes totalled $22.5 million, a decrease from $30.1 million in the previous year. Athletic gifts are used to support athletic scholarships, the athletic general endowment and other needs.
“The Athletic Association had a strong fund-raising year in fiscal year 2003, a level we knew would be difficult to match,” said Athletic Director Damon Evans. “However, this is still a successful year and we appreciate the loyalty and support of each of the donors.”
Among the larger donations this year were two estate gifts with a total value of $3.4 million for the College of Veterinary Medicine, and a $1 million commitment for equine research in the veterinary college; a $1 million bequest for the Career Center; a $1.5 million commitment for a chair in journalism in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication; a gift of $1 million for the Terry College of Business and a $1 million commitment for a distinguished professorship in the college; and a gift of more than $1 million to be shared by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the College of Environment and Design, the College of Education and research programs.
Lynda Courts, chair of the University of Georgia Foundation, said, “Great and exciting things are happening at the University of Georgia and the fund-raising success reflects that.”
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