Kansas State University alumni and friends give $150.6 million for fiscal year 2016

Philanthropic gifts and commitments by alumni, friends, parents, faculty, students and corporate partners of Kansas State University totaled $150.6 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2016.

This level of philanthropic support marks the third most successful year in charitable giving in the more than 70-year history of the Kansas State University Foundation, and the fifth consecutive year fundraising has topped $100 million. The conclusion of fiscal year 2016 marked $882 million in total multiyear gifts and commitments toward the $1 billion goal for K-State’s Innovation and Inspiration Campaign.

“Generous, passionate alumni and friends continue to be a driving force behind the Innovation and Inspiration Campaign and K-State’s 2025 vision,” said Rand Berney, chairman of the KSU Foundation board of directors. “We are grateful for their dedication and look forward to a tremendous future as we elevate K-State to new heights together.”

Of the $150.6 million raised in fiscal year 2016, 35 percent is available for the university’s use immediately, while donors gave 65 percent through endowed gifts, pledges and deferred gifts, which will be utilized by the university at some point in the future.

“We are proud of the Wildcat family for uniting to carry the K-State banner high,” said Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “These philanthropic dollars are absolutely essential to the success of Kansas State University and reflect the extraordinary partnership the KSU Foundation enjoys with donors. K-Staters are coming together through philanthropy to invest in the university’s future.”

One of the most notable aspects of this year’s results was the $56.6 million in endowed gifts and commitments. Endowed gifts create a legacy for the donor by providing long-term funding for the purpose they support, such as student scholarships and faculty chairs and professorships.

“The endowment is a critical driver of becoming a Top 50 public research university by 2025, and endowed gifts make a lasting difference in our capacity to serve future generations of K-Staters,” said Gen. Richard B. Myers, interim president of Kansas State University.
Other key philanthropic achievements for the 2016 fiscal year:
• 55,332 individuals made nearly 80,000 gifts.
• Fifty-one percent of dollars raised came from Kansas State University alumni.
• Twenty-five gifts and commitments were $1 million or more.
• Gift commitments through estate planning, including wills, trusts and annuities, reached an all-time high of $53.9 million.

In light of recent budget uncertainties in the state of Kansas, Myers said private support is increasingly important to Kansas State University.

“Gifts from alumni and friends are essential to our continued ability to support students, faculty and communities in the tradition of land-grant institutions,” Myers said. “We are so thankful for our generous donors and their commitment to K-State’s mission.”

Philanthropic contributions to the university are coordinated by the KSU Foundation, which is leading the Innovation and Inspiration Campaign for K-State. The foundation staff works with university partners to build lifelong relationships with alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students through involvement and investment in the university.