MSU Foundation reports record-breaking fundraising year

During fiscal year 2011, the Missouri State University Foundation, the school's fundraising arm, raised roughly $16.7 million, the largest annual total to date. The university's fiscal year ended June 30.

The money will help fund university programs, scholarships, equipments and other campus needs, according to a news release.

The fiscal 2011 figure tops the previous record of $15.5 million set in fiscal 2010. This is the fourth consecutive year the foundation has raised a record amount.

“We are so very thankful to all our donors,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement, in the release. “The support for the university continues to grow and we are appreciative of every single gift."

The foundation received donations from 24,316 people during fiscal 2011, averaging approximately $1.4 million per month. During the last four years, the monthly average has exceeded $1 million.

Since its 1981 inception, the MSU Foundation has received nearly $200 million in outright donations and $50 million in deferred commitments through bequests, trusts, annuities and life insurance.

“Every donor is important to Missouri State University,” said Larry Frazier, chairman of the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees, in the release. “Their gifts allow future students to also benefit from receiving an education at Missouri State.”[[In-content Ad]]