From a few bucks to a multi-million dollar gift, every donation helped the University of Idaho’s Inspiring Futures Campaign surpass its fundraising goal of $225 million.
Colleges and fundraising departments percent of fundraising goal as of Aug. 15
“The donors are very gracious, and have faith in the institution,” said Andrew Gauss, UI alumni and development spokesman. “The donors are inspiring the futures of students.”
The 7 1/2 year campaign raised money for UI by reaching out to alumni and donors across the state.
Even with four months left in the campaign, it has raised a total of $229 million so far — with the majority of UI colleges surpassing their respective fundraising goals. The College of Education was the most successful, exceeding its fundraising goal by 63 percent, as of Aug. 15.
The Athletic Department and the College of Science were also among the top colleges, surpassing their fundraising goal by 43 and 37 percent respectively.
The College of Business and Economics, College of Law and the College of Art and Architecture are the only colleges that have not yet reached their fundraising goals, but are within 20 percent of the set goal.
The colleges have until the end of 2014 to reach their fundraising goals.
Gauss said the donor-funded campaign supports student scholarships, faculty endowments, UI programs and facilities. He said faculty endowments help pay for faculty development, salaries and research projects.
Gauss said the money raised also goes toward funding multiple renovation and construction projects on and off the UI campus. Most notably, he said the campaign money has helped fund the renovation of the College of Education building and the Kibbie Dome, as well as the construction of the Franklin Pitkin Forest Nursery.
Gauss said the money raised from the program also went to fund popular UI student programs like Alternative Service Break, the VIEW program and Operation Education, which aims to help veterans injured in the line of duty transition to student life after war.
He said donors have given money to UI through lump sum payments, estate gifts and endowments.
“There are multiple ways to give to the institution,” he said.
Gauss said endowments allow UI to invest the initial donation, and then put the investment income back into the university.
Additionally, he said donors are able to specify where their contribution will be used at the university.
Gauss said many corporate sponsors donated to the campaign, as well as UI faculty and staff.
He said the success of the campaign could be traced back to one group — the donors.
“The credit does back to the donors,” Gauss said. “Because they believe in us and what the institution means.”
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected]