By Calvin D. Husmann
Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations
Gift income from private sources totaled $11.2 million, a 33 percent
decrease from last fiscal year’s $16.8 million. These results reflect,
in part, the impact of a stressed economy on philanthropic giving for
major gifts and at the higher levels of annual giving. On a positive note,
the college experienced increases in Heritage level ($250+), Viking ($500+) and parent giving in response to the Trustee initiative, “Game,
Set, Match!” Another aspect of giving — bequest income — was
also down significantly, while the number of individuals who included
Lawrence in their estate plans increased. These results reflect the
college’s long-standing strengths in the foundations of our fund-raising
programs, specifically annual giving (The Lawrence Fund) and deferred
giving (The Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle).
Use of Funds Received
Of the $11.2 million received, $3 million was received in gifts directed
to the physical plant, $3 million for the endowment, and $197,000
for life-income gifts. The college received $1.47 million for restricted
current gifts. Gifts to The Lawrence Fund tallied $3.35 million and
$17,025 was received in other budget-relieving gifts. Approximately
$140,000 is undesignated, pending discussions with donors regarding
permanent allocations.
Realized bequest income totaled $796,421, an 83.9 percent decrease
from last year’s $4.95 million. Membership in the Lawrence-Downer
Legacy Circle grew to 815 living members from 777 in fiscal 2008-09.
Corporate and foundation support for fiscal 2009-10 was $1.4 million
versus $2.4 million received in fiscal 2008-09.
The Lawrence Fund
Lawrence University received $3,354,684 in gifts to The Lawrence
Fund for fiscal 2010, which reflects an 8 percent decrease from
last fiscal year’s $3,647,259 in gifts secured. The biggest loss of
The Lawrence Fund support was in the corporate and foundation
ranks ($150,000). The remainder came from decreases in Lutetium,
Lawrencium and Platinum levels of support. The trustee challenge
(Game, Set, Match!) was successful at encouraging increased
giving in other levels and new donations. Of the 1,465 alumni who
participated in the match, 64 percent were new donors. A total of
755 parents participated, as well as 769 friends of the college, and<
86 percent of both of these groups were welcomed to our donor
ranks for the first time. In total, 2,989 alumni, parents and friends took
advantage of this opportunity, and the trustees matched $770,561 for
The Lawrence Fund. Overall, gifts from parents were up 10 percent,
and we also had a significant increase in the number of donors at the
$250 and $500 levels.
Founders Club membership was 716 versus 743 last fiscal year
(the record is 773 members set in fiscal 2007-08). Founders Club
members contributed $2.2 million or 66 percent of The Lawrence
Fund gifts versus $2.4 million or 66 percent of The Lawrence Fund
gifts in fiscal 2008-09. In fiscal 2009-10, Milestone Reunion classes
contributed $281,872 or 8.4 percent of all gifts to The Lawrence Fund.
When including gifts, multi-year pledges, restricted gifts and planned
gifts (for the 50th Reunion), the Classes of 2000, 1985, 1970, 1960 and
1950 collectively committed $3,868,822.
The alumni donor participation rate dropped slightly again this year
to 41.3 percent from 43.2 percent, and the number of alumni donors
declined to 5,844 from 6,186 last year. We are attempting to reverse
this trend for fiscal 2011 and have already launched an “early bird”
mailing. As of Oct. 4, we have received 385 replies and raised
$119,596. This puts us 2.7 percent ahead of our participation rate and
24.5 percent ahead of The Lawrence Fund dollars received compared
to this time last year.
Support for Björklunden via The Boynton Society also declined —
$219,479 compared to last year’s $251,135 — for operating gifts for
Björklunden.
Endowment and Physical Plant
Gifts to the endowment totaled $3.03 million, a decrease from last
year’s $7.17 million, and the college’s average ($6 million) for the past
decade. Within the $3 million plant gifts, $2.3 million was received for
the Campus Center, $144,000 for the Björklunden expansion project,
$432,000 for Memorial Chapel renovation and $100,000 for the
Buchanan Kiewit Wellness Center renovation.
More Light! Campaign
As of September 24, 2010, total gifts and commitments for the
campaign stand at $134 million. Given the challenges of the
economy, major gifts have become more difficult to secure. While
securing major gifts remains our top priority, we have focused our
efforts intensely on the Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle and annual
support via The Lawrence Fund. The development staff and campaign
volunteers have increased their efforts in the field, understanding the
long-term benefits of those efforts. The final gap of any campaign is
always the most challenging, regardless of the economy. We have the
benefit of having a constituency of fiercely loyal alumni, parents and
friends who are committed to supporting the college, in good times
and bad. With this, More Light! continues its strong momentum.
We remain grateful for the generosity and dedication of our
supporters. Special thanks to all who have provided philanthropic
support to ensure that we are able to advance Lawrence University’s
mission. |
