Emory Report

October 2, 2000

Volume 53, No.6

Emory breaks records in '99-'00 By Jan Gleason Emory fund-raisers are coming off a strong year for fund-raising, and the future looks rosy, too. The University received $92.6 million in contributions between Sept. 1, 1999, and Aug. 31, 2000. "This was one of our best fund-raising years in the history of Emory," said Bill Fox, senior vice president of Institutional Advancement (IA)."The total for this year has only been exceeded three times, and that was during years when we received eight- or nine-figure gifts. That happened in 1980, 1997 and 1999." Fox said the $92.6 million represents actual dollars received by the University during the fiscal year. "Additionally, we have recorded pledges of $275 million that we should receive payment on in the next one to five years. On top of that, we are approaching $300 million in planned gifts that will come to Emory over time. Beyond these actual future dollars, Fox said there are other indicators of increasing support for the University. "Never in Emory's history have alumni activities been as extensive; we're reaching out to alumni here and abroad," he said. "Keeping in touch with alumni and keeping Emory alive in their hearts and minds is essential. We are about building a covenant relationship between the university and the donors." "This is really about more than raising money, though," Fox continued. "Our focus in all the gifts we solicit is to help Emory achieve its academic priorities. The support Emory receives has given us the ability to assume our place as one of the finest American universities." While looking toward the future, Fox said many people worked diligently to raise this year's money. "Garnering this level of support means that many people worked very hard," said Fox. He emphasized the work of the academic deans, senior administrators, faculty members and the IA staff in contributing to the success. The totals for this year include donations of $18.4 million from individuals, $46 million from foundations and corporations, and $15 million from trusts and bequests. The $92.6 million total also includes $13.1 million in donative gift awards that were processed by the Office of Sponsored Programs. Among those making gifts were 25,123 individuals. "The range and level of gifts show that it took many people to make this banner year possible," said Fox. Of these donations, 18,948 came through the Annual Fund solicitation of alumni, parents and friends. At $3.2 million, the Annual Fund is a small percentage of the overall contributions, but those gifts are unrestricted to the budget and given primarily by alumni. Both giving and donors increased overall for the Annual Fund. Some schools saw big increases. For example the Rollins School of Public Health had a 19 percent increase in the number of donors and a 72 percent increase in the amount raised. "Athough it's on a small base, it's encouraging that their participation is growing," said Jane Parker, executive director of IA services. She noted that the Goizueta Business School had a 3 percent increase in the number of donors and a 22.7 percent increase in the number of dollars raised through the Annual Fund. Return to October 2, 2000 contents page