Stanford University reported $1.13 billion in philanthropic gifts during the fiscal year that ended August 31, 2017, reflecting the financial support of more than 76,000 alumni, parents and friends.
The fundraising total comprises gifts and pledge payments received from Sept. 1, 2016, through Aug. 31, 2017. It does not include pledges of future support or government grants.
Philanthropy helps underwrite every aspect of the university’s mission of teaching, research, service and patient care. In 2016–17, gifts to the university included key investments in the Stanford Neurosciences Institute and Stanford ChEM-H, two new interdisciplinary research institutes dedicated to improving human health and well-being.
Other gifts provided support for student financial aid. In June 2017, 82 percent of undergraduate students graduated with zero student loan debt. Of the remaining students who did take out loans, the median amount of debt was $13,000 – less than half the national average. Financial support from the university also helped 78 percent of graduate students, in fields ranging from the humanities to engineering to medicine.
“Stanford’s alumni, parents and friends make extraordinary things possible,” said Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne. “Their gifts help us to offer one of the most generous financial aid programs in the United States and carry out groundbreaking research that benefits people worldwide. I am incredibly grateful for their support.”
Funds were raised for key priorities across the university:
- $97.2 million for financial aid for graduate and undergraduate students
- $57.8 million to attract and support faculty
- $440 million for research and programs
- $110.6 million for buildings and facilities, including a new shared research complex for interdisciplinary biosciences at Stanford
- $33 million for Stanford Health Care
- $76.7 million for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, which recently more than doubled the size of its existing pediatric and obstetric hospital campus
The majority of donors contributed to the university through annual funds, which raised $73.6 million. Annual gifts may be used in the year they are received to meet areas of greatest need. For example, The Stanford Fund for Undergraduate Education raised $27 million toward financial aid, academic programs and student-led organizations.
Nearly $100 million came from bequests. In accordance with the donors’ wishes, these gifts were designated to different purposes throughout the university, including undergraduate scholarships, graduate and postdoctoral fellowships, research support and building improvements.
Most gifts made to the university were under $1,000, with nearly half of individuals making gifts of $100 or less.
“Through gifts of all sizes, the Stanford community is demonstrating confidence in the university’s mission and leadership,” said Martin Shell, vice president for development. “More important than the total dollars raised is the impact that these investments will have far into the future.”
Gifts added $252 million to Stanford’s endowment, which is invested to support the university in perpetuity. The endowment payout covered approximately 22 percent of the university’s operating expenses.
Gifts were raised by Stanford’s Office of Development and the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.