Fundraising Support of U of A Alumni and Friends Fosters Continued Success

Photo by University Relations

The U of A concluded another successful fundraising year in 2021, thanks to the support of alumni and friends.

In 2020, the U of A concluded its eight-year capital campaign, Campaign Arkansas, by raising nearly $1.45 billion to advance academic opportunity, continue to transform the campus and promote student success. 

In the first fiscal year following the conclusion of the campaign, the university brought in $148.6 million in cash receipts, the highest amount since fiscal year 2018, and raised nearly $105 million in production to support students, faculty and staff on campus, as well as capital improvements and programs. 

“Thanks to our incredible benefactors, we have finished strong in our first post-campaign year and have been able to continue offering much-needed support to our students, faculty and staff and the programs they rely on for success,” said Charles Robinson, interim chancellor. “It’s clear that our University of Arkansas family remains committed to higher education and our mission to serve the state, and shares our passion for building a better world.”

The $148.6 million in cash receipts, which include pledge payments, outright gifts and estate and 

planned giving distributions, was higher in fiscal year 2021 than it was in fiscal years 2019 and 2020. The campus brought in 88,934 outright gifts and new pledges – also an increase from fiscal year 2020 – from 59,102 benefactors during the fiscal year.

The $105 million in production raised in fiscal year 2021 includes gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind, planned gifts and new pledges received from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021. Approximately $33 million was directed by donors to be used as endowment when received.

Support for student scholarships and academic programs accounted for 61 percent of the money raised, capital improvements received 18 percent of the funds raised in fiscal year 2021 and faculty and staff support accounted for another 18 percent. The remaining 3 percent supported other key initiatives. 

Dalila Sanchez, a junior from Springdale, has been the recipient of the Norcross Advance Arkansas Endowment, Margaret F. Schamer Scholarship Fund and the Honors College Path Scholarship Endowment. She says that, thanks to her scholarship support, she has been able to focus on her academics, volunteering on campus and in the community, and her work with mentees.

Students Dalila Sanchez and Whitney King have first-hand experience of the opportunities provided by private gift support.

“I’m so thankful for the thought and effort donors have put into helping students, especially those who are underrepresented,” she said. “If not for them, I wouldn’t be able to go to school. They are trusting me to build something great.”

Whitney King, a 2021 alumna with a Master of Arts in journalism, received the Edsel Ford Memorial Scholarship while she was in graduate school and said it changed her life.

“My scholarship didn’t only take care of my tuition expenses, it gave me what I needed to focus on my education, take care of myself mentally and take care of myself physically,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who supports scholarships and private giving. Without your help, I know that some of us would not succeed. Thank you for allowing me to finish my education and the privilege to do so without having a difficult time with finances.” 

Gifts from individuals, such as alumni, friends, parents, faculty and staff, made up 43 percent of the nearly $105 million raised during the fiscal year. Another 17 percent came from corporations, while 32 percent came from foundations and the remaining 8 percent came from other organizations, including trusts and estates. All private gifts to the university are designated and allocated for specific purposes set forth by each donor and used solely for those purposes. The university makes every effort to align donors’ giving interests with campus priorities.

“I want to thank our benefactors for their amazing support,” said Mark Power, vice chancellor for advancement. “I’m also incredibly proud of the division of advancement, as well as our deans and campus leaders, who all worked together to ensure a successful year. The percentage that went toward our endowment this year, in particular, was especially exciting to see. Endowed gifts remain critical to our long-term success and provide a foundation for the future.”

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.