KU receives third consecutive national fundraising award
LAWRENCE — For the third year in a row, the University of Kansas has been nationally recognized for the effectiveness and professionalism of its fundraising programs. The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) chose KU among a select group of universities receiving a 2014 Educational Fundraising Award.
The award represents overall fundraising success among 65 public research/doctoral institutions with endowments of more than $250 million. Other universities receiving the award were the University of California-Berkeley, the University of Virginia and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Among public universities, only KU and the University of California-Berkeley have received this honor three times in the last five years, a distinction that also qualified both universities for the CASE Sustained Excellence in Educational Fundraising Awards.
“Private philanthropy is vital to achieving our bold aspirations, and supports everything from student scholarships and endowed professorships to new facilities,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. “This is a well-deserved honor for the staff at KU Endowment and recognizes their dedication to connecting the passions of our donors with the priorities of our university as we seek to serve the people of Kansas and the world.”
Dale Seuferling, president of KU Endowment, said it was an honor for KU to have been selected for the CASE fundraising award.
“We are fortunate to have a team of fundraising professionals who work tirelessly with university leaders to share the message of the Far Above campaign with our donors,” Seuferling said.
The Educational Fundraising Award is based on the judges’ analysis of fundraising results for the three-year period ending June 30, 2013. Institutions may not apply for the awards; judges make their selections as part of a blind study of national data. Judges recognize institutions that show solid program growth, breadth in the base of support and other indications of a mature, well-maintained program.
Contributions to KU Endowment for KU and The University of Kansas Hospital reached new heights in the three-year time period: $153.2 million in fiscal 2011, $156.5 million in fiscal 2012 and $174.2 million in fiscal 2013. These gifts count toward Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, a $1.2 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, giving to Far Above has reached $1.1 billion.
KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university. The University of Kansas Hospital is a partner in philanthropy with KU Endowment.