Stanford releases fiscal-year fundraising results

Among philanthropic gifts to Stanford in fiscal year 2013 was the naming gift to The James and Anna Marie Spilker Engineering and Applied Sciences Building, one of four new structures in the Science and Engineering Quad. (Photo: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service)

Donors directed $931.6 million to Stanford University in the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31. More than 82,000 alumni, parents, students and friends contributed – the largest number of donors in Stanford's history.

The total reflects gifts and pledge payments received from Sept. 1, 2012, through Aug. 31, 2013; it does not include pledges of future support or government grants. The figure includes support for Stanford Hospital & Clinics but not for Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, which raises funds independently.

"The generosity of Stanford's alumni, parents and friends, and their deep confidence in the university,  are fundamental to our success," said John L. Hennessy, Stanford's president. "Through their gifts, they are investing in our faculty and students and the work we are doing to help address today's complex, global problems. I am tremendously grateful for their support and encouragement."

Giving in 2012–13 was second only to the $1.035 billion received in fiscal year 2011–12. That year included the conclusion of the multiyear Stanford Challenge campaign and the launch of the Campaign for Stanford Medicine.

Gifts came in all sizes. Alumnus John Arrillaga donated $151 million, which will be used over time for a variety of purposes. More than 33,000 alumni, parents and students contributed to The Stanford Fund for Undergraduate Education, which raised more than $24 million with the majority of gifts in amounts of $100 or less. Donors to The Stanford Fund included members of the graduating Class of 2013, who set a record with an 86 percent participation rate in the Senior Class Gift.

"This is a remarkable endorsement from the most recent members of Stanford's community," said Martin Shell, vice president for development. "The growth in the breadth of donors follows a very strong pattern of philanthropic and other engagement among alumni across the university, including from our graduate and professional schools."

Funds were raised for key Stanford priorities, including:

• $235.4 million for Stanford Medicine, including construction of a new hospital and other campaign initiatives
• $57.7 million for students, including undergraduate financial aid and graduate fellowships
• $249 million for research and programs
• $46.6 million to attract and support faculty
• $131 million for buildings and facilities, including gifts to support construction of the new Stanford hospital

A record amount – more than $70 million – was raised through annual funds in schools and units across the campus. Annual funds are unrestricted and can be used in the year they are received to meet areas of greatest need. Other gifts added $170.6 million to Stanford's endowment.

"The amounts raised are far less important than the effect these gifts will have," Shell said. "These philanthropic advancements are about keeping Stanford affordable for students, advancing critical research, and achieving our goal of seeking solutions and educating leaders."

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