Ever wonder what record-breaking generosity looks like? The University of Nebraska Foundation just hit an astonishing $416 million in new gifts! This incredible support is transforming student scholarships, academic programs, and campus development. What kind of impact do you think this level of philanthropy will have on the future of Nebraska?
The University of Nebraska Foundation has achieved an unprecedented milestone, announcing a new fundraising record of over $416 million in new philanthropic support during the last fiscal year, marking a significant triumph for higher education philanthropy in the state. This historic achievement not only underscores the deep commitment of alumni and friends but also provides a crucial boost to various initiatives across the entire University of Nebraska system, setting a new benchmark for financial endowments.
For the first time in its history, the NU Foundation surpassed the $400 million threshold in a single year, demonstrating an extraordinary surge in giving that will have lasting impacts. This remarkable sum of $416.6 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year highlights the increasing trust and investment in the university’s mission and future endeavors, contributing significantly to its overall financial health and operational capacity.
Beyond the impressive monetary figure, the foundation also celebrated a record-setting increase in donor engagement, with 60,602 individuals contributing gifts in the year ending June 30. This rise from 57,603 donors in the previous year signifies a broadening base of support and a collective belief in the power of giving, reflecting a vibrant community dedicated to the university’s success.
NU President Jeff Gold lauded the record-breaking donations, articulating that such generosity is a “powerful reflection of the deep pride that Nebraskans, our alumni and friends around world” hold for the state’s esteemed university system. Gold emphasized the unwavering belief donors place in the university’s mission, expressing profound gratitude for their investment in attracting and retaining top-tier faculty, advancing transformative research, and providing vital student scholarships that open doors to education.
The vast majority of these monetary gifts are earmarked for critical areas, directly benefiting student scholarships, bolstering academic programs, supporting athletic teams, attracting and retaining exceptional faculty, fueling innovative research, and enabling crucial capital projects across all four of NU’s campuses in Lincoln, Omaha, and Kearney, as well as the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. This comprehensive support ensures a wide-reaching positive effect on the university’s diverse ecosystem.
Notably, this year’s philanthropic giving facilitated the establishment of 123 new endowed student support funds and 14 new endowed professorships and chairs. These endowments, designed to provide perpetual funding through investment earnings, guarantee sustained support for these programs and positions, solidifying the university’s long-term academic and research capabilities, further strengthening its financial endowment.
The current fundraising campaign has also made significant strides towards its ambitious $3 billion goal, having successfully raised $2.7 billion to date. Furthermore, the university has already exceeded its aim of engaging with 150,000 unique donors, with 155,397 individual donors contributing by the end of the fiscal year. This dual success underscores the widespread commitment to advancing the University of Nebraska’s mission and securing its future.
These investments are already visible across the campuses, including ongoing capital projects like the new University of Nebraska-Lincoln music building, which is designed with student well-being in mind, boasting eighty percent natural light exposure in practice rooms. Such developments are crucial for enhancing the learning environment and preparing students for future success, reinforcing the university’s commitment to excellence through strategic philanthropy.
