Indiana State University Newsroom

Fundraising for Indiana State University is up 40 percent for fiscal year 2018-19, officials announced Friday.

Dollars raised by the Division of University Advancement, which includes cash gifts, in-kind gifts, pledges and planned gifts, totaled $8,885,724 for the fiscal year that ended June 30 -- a $2.5 million increase from the prior year.

Donors were up 16 percent with 7,582 contributors -- more than one-fourth are first-time donors. Alumni made up 59 percent of donors, and employees and emeriti, 12 percent.

"On behalf of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors, thank you to all those who have made giving to Indiana State a priority. It is inspiring to see what our Sycamore family can accomplish when we come together to support each other," said Tom Bareford, chair of the ISU Foundation Board.

Among the initiatives that supported the success was the university's first annual day of giving on March 13. Nearly 1,700 donors -- including 252 students -- contributed more than $436,000, making it the largest single-day fundraiser in university history. The next Give to Blue Day is set for March 11, 2020.

More than $400,000 was raised to support the Bridge the Gap Endowed Scholarship fund. Alumna Jo Einstandig's pledge of $250,000 is the lead commitment for the effort. Bridge the Gap scholarships provide the funding students need between the financial resources they have (financial aid, family contributions, etc.) and their full cost of attendance.

"I am pleased with our fundraising efforts for this fiscal year. We have made meaningful progress in growing philanthropy for our university," said Andrea Angel, vice president for University Advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation. "Our fundraising priorities, like the Bridge the Gap Scholarship, are truly resonating with our donors and alumni and making a difference for our students.

More than $450,000 was raised this past fiscal year for Elevate the Campaign for Sycamore Athletics, which concluded on June 30. The total effort, in partnership with the athletic department, exceeded the campaign's $600,000 overall goal by raising $850,000.

"It has been exciting to collaborate with our campus partners to establish giving initiatives that have moved the needle for our university," Angel said. "I look forward to continuing this important work to benefit our students and programs in years to come."

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Media contact: Kim Kunz, executive director of stewardship and constituent relations, University Advancement/Foundation, Indiana State University, kim.kunz@indstate.edu or 812-237-6154