UT Knoxville raised nearly $131 million in private support from alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations in fiscal year 2014, marking a 40 percent increase over last year’s total.
UT also made progress in expanding its donor base and received support from 2,682 more donors than last year. A total of 35,244 individuals and corporate partners made gifts in fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2013, UT Knoxville raised $92 million from 32,561 donors.
Fundraising initiatives are focused on providing resources that help advance UT’s goals for becoming a Top 25 public research university. Areas of focus include faculty funding, undergraduate scholarships, graduate stipends, and key college and department initiatives.
- More than $13.6 million was received to provide more merit and need-based scholarships for undergraduates, increasing access to the state’s flagship university.
- Nearly $10 million was received to provide new graduate fellowships, which help grow enrollment and enhance research efforts.
- Another $10.2 million helped to create new endowed professorships, chairs or faculty awards, which help the university recruit and retain its highest-performing scholars.
Private funds do not replace UT’s core funding base, which relies primarily on state and tuition dollars.
“Private resources help to bridge that gap and make a dramatic difference in our ability to serve our students and the state,” said Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek. “Our donors fuel our momentum by helping us improve our facilities, grow our best programs, and attract our brightest students.”
Gifts under $100 made up 50 percent of the total gifts given to the university this past year.
“Every gift and every donor make a significant impact on the university,” said Scott Rabenold, vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs. “Our alumni and friends are excited about the direction of the university and their investments are paving the way for moving UT forward.”
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C O N T A C T :
Karen Simsen (865-974-5186, ksimsen@utk.edu)