University of Iowa Foundation marks record-breaking year in private gifts

• Outright gifts to UI and UIF combined pass $100 million
• Highest-ever number of contributors
• 2004 results push UI campaign nearly 85 percent toward $1 billion goal

Posted February 14, 2005

IOWA CITY -- The University of Iowa and University of Iowa Foundation marked a record year in private support in 2004, with outright gifts to the foundation and university passing the $100 million mark for the first time.

UI Foundation officials today announced a number of fund-raising records set in 2004:

• Outright gifts received by the foundation reached $77.3 million, 24 percent above the 2003 figure and the highest outright gift total in the foundation's 49-year history. The addition of $22.8 million in outright gifts made in 2004 directly to the UI took the combined outright giving for 2004 past the $100 million milestone.
• Gifts came from 65,953 contributors, another record number and 6 percent above the 2003 figure of 62,025.
• The foundation recorded a record-high $55.9 million in deferred gift commitments made through wills and trusts to be received in future years; when this is added to $21.9 million in pledges in 2004, the total of future gift commitments made in 2004 was $77.8 million.
• More than 99 percent of the total of outright gifts were directed by donors to the specific UI programs they wish to support, ranging from student financial aid to faculty support and research.

The total combined outright and future gift commitments to the university and the foundation in 2004 reached $177.9 million, more than 15 percent above the $154.4 million generated in 2003.

"To surpass last year's record numbers in so many categories is truly remarkable," said UI Foundation President Michael New. "This is clearly an indication that the university's alumni and friends believe in the important work of students and faculty all across campus, and are strongly supportive of the services the UI provides to the people of the state of Iowa and beyond.

"It's a great tribute, as well, to the leadership of President Skorton. We are tremendously grateful to our contributors, particularly as we enter this final year of the Good. Better Best. Iowa campaign."

As of December 31, 2004, campaign gift commitments totaled $849 million, leaving approximately $151 million to raise during the campaign's final year. UI President David Skorton expressed confidence that the campaign will meet its goal.

"Achieving these new records in private support during 2004 certainly moves us closer to our campaign objectives," Skorton said. "More important, these gifts from alumni and friends around the country are moving us closer to the levels of excellence we seek to provide to our students, faculty, staff and fellow citizens.

"On behalf of our campus community, I'd like to express our deep gratitude for this unparalleled generosity, and our pledge to continue to earn our contributors' allegiance and support in the future."

The UI acknowledges the UI Foundation as the preferred channel for private contributions that benefit all areas of the UI. Foundation staff work with a volunteer board of directors, the university's administration, colleges and departments to set fund-raising priorities; expand the base of contributors; provide stewardship to multiply funds already raised and conduct a variety of activities and fund-raising campaigns that advance the university's strategic goals. For more information about the UI Foundation, visit its web site at www.uiowafoundation.org.

Related information:

• Additional facts at a glance: 2004 giving and campaign highlights
• Annual statistics
• Campaign progress to date

Contact Information

Susan Shullaw
Vice President, Communications & Campaign Support
(319) 335-3305 or (800) 648-6973

Additional information about supporting colleges and programs at the UI also is available on this site.