Stem cell research that helps burned skin heal and regenerate. Integrated mental health counseling for Pikes Peak region seniors at little or no cost. A Jewish Studies program that bridges past and present and promotes mutual understanding. A scholarship program that charts a course from high school through medical school, preparing diverse high achievers for practice in Colorado communities.<\/p>\n
These are a few of the 1,800-plus areas at the University of Colorado this past year to receive more than $213.2 million in private support\u2014the highest total in CU history, according to preliminary figures announced July 20. More than 47,000 donors made gifts during the 12 months ending June 30, 2011.<\/p>\n
\u201cSetting a record for private support in this difficult economy demonstrates the confidence our donors have not only in the university, its faculty and students, but also in the strong stewardship of the university\u2019s fundraising arm, the CU Foundation,\u201d said CU President Bruce D. Benson. \u201cPrivate contributions allow us to enhance the quality of our academic programs, research and student experience, so we appreciate the generosity of all our donors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nearly $102.4 million in gifts and grants were contributed through the CU Foundation\u2014an 11 percent year-over-year increase, and the third-highest total in CU Foundation history.<\/p>\n
The total also includes $110.8 million in private support channeled directly to CU, rather than the Foundation. By including faculty-generated private contracts and grants in this total for the first time, the 2010-11 figure reflects common standards for U.S. higher education campaigns. In April, CU announced Creating Futures, a $1.5 billion fundraising campaign. (The revised 2009-10 figure for private support to CU is $205.9 million, and the revised figure for 2007-08\u2014previously announced as the highest total ever\u2014is $205.5 million.)<\/p>\n
Benson reinforces that private philanthropy does not replace the need for operational funds squeezed by declining state funding\u2014as 98 percent of gifts are earmarked by donors for specific purposes.<\/p>\n
Private support for CU has held up well despite the economic downturn, and its future looks notably strong due to a significant upward trend in estate gifts. The CU Foundation recorded more than $33 million last year in commitments made via an individual\u2019s will, its highest total ever for the second consecutive year. These estate commitments are not counted in fiscal-year or Creating Futures campaign totals, but they indicate a strong pipeline for future support.<\/p>\n
CU Foundation donors gave $46.9 million to the University of Colorado Boulder, $40.2 million to the Anschutz Medical Campus, $5.7 million to the University of Colorado Denver, and $6.9 million to UCCS in addition to $2.7 million in other CU System gifts.<\/p>\n
In the coming years, CU will continue to aggressively pursue its $1.5 billion goal for the Creating Futures campaign\u2014the most ambitious in CU history. Priority fundraising areas include:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support we\u2019ve seen this year is a tribute to public confidence in the University of Colorado\u2019s leaders, and a reflection of the life-changing work CU\u2019s faculty, staff, and students pursue each day,\u201d says J. Wayne Hutchens, president and CEO of the University of Colorado Foundation. \u201cIn a challenging budget environment, it is critical that CU build its endowments for the benefit of tomorrow\u2019s students and Colorado\u2019s citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n
On June 30, 2011, endowments held by the CU Foundation on behalf of CU totaled $781.2 million. The CU Foundation\u2019s Long Term Investment Pool, which includes the vast majority of these endowments, appreciated 19 percent for the most recent fiscal year. In the past seven years, the LTIP has appreciated approximately 8.5 percent annually, exceeding investment-committee benchmarks, and ranking the LTIP among the top 10 percent of peers over that period.<\/p>\n
— Jeremy Simon, CU Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"