Record-breaking year: UGA fundraising hits ‘unprecedented level’

A record-breaking number of contributors—63,784 at final count—led the University of Georgia to its best fundraising year in history.

After all contributions were tallied for the year on June 30, the university received nearly $144.2 million in new gifts and commitments for the 2015 fiscal year, a 14 percent increase over last year’s record total of $126.4 million.

“Once again, the University of Georgia community has joined together to provide an unprecedented level of financial support to advance the academic mission of this great institution,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “I am grateful to our generous and loyal alumni and friends for their significant contributions; to the UGA Foundation board of trustees, to the development team, and to the senior leadership across our schools, colleges, and other units for their hard work and dedication; and to our outstanding faculty, staff, and students, who continue to make UGA the very special place that it is.”

The 63,784 donors represent a 12 percent increase over fiscal year 2014, in which 56,897 donors contributed to the institution.

“Having established an all-time fundraising record just one year ago—and to exceed that total by a significant margin just 12 months later—is an incredible tribute to our donors who have stepped up and answered the call to support the university,” said Kelly Kerner, vice president for the Division of Development and Alumni Relations.

“Words are inadequate to express the depth of appreciation I have for our alumni and friends who have committed their financial resources to help ensure the University of Georgia maintains an upward trajectory as one of the world’s great institutions of higher education.”

Fiscal year 2015 at UGA marks a continuation of significantly increased support from individual donors—no single major gift had a disproportionate impact on the total—and the second year the university has been under Morehead’s direction.

“The university’s development team, support staff and the foundation’s board of trustees all played major roles in this milestone achievement, and I am appreciative of what was truly a team effort,” said Ken Jackson, chair of the University of Georgia Foundation. “Of course, I am most grateful to our donors, who continue to exhibit a great spirit of generosity and a commitment to enhancing the academic mission of the University of Georgia.”