Philanthropic support of Fresno State was strong during the 2012-13 fiscal year with the university reporting more than $24.8 million in charitable gift commitments to support scholarships, research, facilities and programs.

Gifts to Fresno State also contributed to a record-breaking year of philanthropic support for the California State University system. The CSU received $282.9 million in charitable gift receipts and an unprecedented $1.2 billion endowment market value during 2012-13, an increase of 14 percent from the previous year according to the university’s Philanthropic Annual Report.

“The level of growth in charitable giving is inspiring and has been essential in enhancing academic programs at the CSU,” said Garrett P. Ashley, CSU vice chancellor for University Relations and Advancement. “The generous contributions of our donors and supporters have served as the foundation for the university to expand high-impact learning through inventive programs, applied research and community engagement.”

Major gifts to Fresno State during the last fiscal year include $5 million from alumni John W. Long for student scholarships, $1.5 million from Joseph Slotnick to support the Deaf Studies program and $1.5 million from the California Pistachio Research Board to establish an endowed faculty position.

In April 2013 the university concluded the Campaign for Fresno State, a nearly eight-year effort that raised more than $214.2 million. It was the first comprehensive campaign in Fresno State’s history and was among the largest in the CSU system.

“Declining state support for public higher education elevates the importance of private support to enhance our university’s academic mission, research components and the community good,” said Dr. Peter Smits, Vice President for University Advancement. “The Campaign for Fresno State was a huge success. It also was a challenge for us to build on what we’ve accomplished. We must and will find additional ways to attract private support to carry our mission forward.”

Charitable gift commitments to Fresno State during the 2012-13 fiscal year:

  • Endowments – $8,548,945
  • Academic enrichment  – $2,260,252
  • Public service programs – $3,435
  • Building projects – $168,169
  • Student scholarships – $928,952
  • Athletics -$2,771,532
  • Applied research – $359,472
  • Irrevocable deferred gifts – $5,058,625
  • Library resources – $291,955
  • Facility improvements – $61,200
  • Faculty support – $132,900
  • Designations for other university needs – $3,799,276
  • Unrestricted – $494,028

For additional information contact Kathleen R. Schock, director of media and development communications at 559.278.2756 or kschock@csufresno.edu.

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