Donors gave more than $43 million in philanthropic support to Fresno State during the 2014 fiscal year, which ended June 30, the university announced today.

Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro said the $43,088,793 total is notable for two reasons — it is the highest amount raised since the beginning of the great recession and it represents a nearly 64 percent increase from the $26.3 million raised the previous fiscal year.

“I am filled with gratitude for the investment that our supporters make in Fresno State and the young minds who will lead us into the future,” Castro said. “I commend our dedicated volunteers and the University Advancement team who year after year work to enhance the university and create opportunities for students.”

Fresno State raised $22.1 million in fiscal 2012, $17.2 in fiscal 2011 and $16.6 in fiscal 2010.

In April 2013 the university concluded The Campaign for Fresno State, a nearly eight-year effort that raised $214,222,190 for the university. “When we launched the Campaign in 2005 there was no way to predict the looming global economic crisis. Nonetheless we came in 7 percent above our $200 million goal,” said Dr. Peter Smits, vice president emeritus for University Advancement. “And the fact that the year following the Campaign is our strongest since the recession indicates that we are well positioned to build on this momentum in the future.”

Castro points out that thousands of gifts of all sizes made this fundraising effort possible. During the past fiscal year, Fresno State received 40 individual gifts over $50,000. Highlights include $500,000 from Mathias “Matty” Matoian for business and nursing scholarships, two $200,000 gifts from Dr. Harry B. Moordigian Jr. to support agricultural research and the Fresno Family Counseling Center and a $200,000 gift from Olam SVI to enhance laboratory space inside the Jordan Research Center, scheduled to open in fall 2015.

“We continue to be so grateful to the community for their investment in this institution and the future leaders we educate. This support funds the scholarships, research, faculty and facilities that create countless opportunities for students from Central California and beyond,” Castro said.

Smits, who retired from Fresno State June 30, has been succeeded by Paula Castadio as the new vice president for University Advancement.

Related Links:

  • Campaign for Fresno State