Illinois State University raises more than $34 million during fiscal year 2023

Illinois State University raised more than $34 million in private support during the 2023 fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2023. This is the second time Illinois State has raised more than $30 million without an eight-figure gift commitment.

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Illinois State: Fall 2023

“The private support Illinois State University receives from donors continues to be a point of pride for the University,” said Interim President Aondover Tarhule. “Donor support allows the University to continue to grow and engage our students, faculty, and staff on campus. We are incredibly grateful for donors’ continued dedication to strengthening Illinois State University.”

Scholarship support is a key component of student success and retention. Donors established 76 new scholarships during fiscal year 2023, increasing Illinois State’s endowed funds under management to 1,746. This fiscal year, a total of 3,350 scholarships were awarded to students.

One scholarship recipient impacted by the generosity of donors is fashion and merchandising major Ali Scace. Scace, originally from the St. Louis area, came to Illinois State to pursue her creative passion for clothing. With the help of scholarships, Scace was able to focus more on her studies.

“Scholarship support gave me the confidence I needed to tackle school. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the scholarship support I received,” said Scace. “I will never forget the generosity I was shown. It truly impacted my life in such a positive way.”

Members of the Illinois State community became philanthropists when they gave during the fifth annual Birds Give Back in February. Redbird alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends came together to raise $1,031,225 from a record number of 4,439 individual gifts in just 24 hours on February 23.

During fiscal year 2023, the University also partnered with UNITE, a training, consulting, and technology company, to drive business engagement and increase collaboration. These strategic corporate partnerships and matching gifts also drove Illinois State University’s fundraising success.

With careful management by the Illinois State University Foundation Board of Directors, the University’s endowment grew during fiscal year 2023. The endowment is now valuated at more than $204 million. Chair of the Illinois State University Foundation Board of Directors Eric Burwell ’90 said the steady rise of the endowment is a continued strength of the University.

“The endowment is a source of strength for the University and allows donors’ contributions to sustain the University’s needs,” Burwell said. “These resources enable the University to flourish and thrive now and for future generations of Redbirds.”

“The continued growth in donor support showcases the impact and quality of education and experiences that our donors, alumni, and friends experience at Illinois State University,” said University Advancement Vice President Pat Vickerman. “Illinois State’s dedication to the development and success of the ISU family is reflected in the commitment donors make to ensure the University continues to advance and succeed.”