Illinois State University donors contributed more than $35.4 million during the 2024 fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2024. This marks the third-highest fundraising year in Illinois State’s proud 167-year history.
“We are incredibly grateful for the private support we receive at Illinois State, which helps to recruit, retain, and graduate students,” said Dr. Aondover Tarhule, Illinois State University president. “Donor support advances the University’s initiatives, enhancing the education, infrastructure, and programs that promote a strong and thriving Redbird community.”
Support from corporations and foundations surged to more than $12 million during fiscal year 2024, up from about $5 million the fiscal year prior. Corporate and foundation investments play a crucial role in students’ career development and strengthen valued town-and-gown partnerships for the University.
Scholarship support is a key component of student success and retention. Donors established 85 new scholarship funds during fiscal year 2024. The number of foundation scholarships awarded increased 10% to 4,474. Those awards totaled $5.23 million, a 3.4% or $170,255 increase over fiscal year 2023.
One scholarship recipient impacted by the generosity of donors is junior Hannah Reichensperger. Originally from Minnesota, she came to Illinois State to study data science and computational mathematics. Scholarship support has allowed Reichensperger to pursue her education while also competing on the Redbird volleyball team.
“Scholarships make me feel that the work that I put into being a successful student-athlete is appreciated. It motivates me to continue working hard to better myself, my program, and the student body at ISU,” said Reichensperger. “The existence of scholarships is motivational not only because of what they directly provide to students, but also in the way that they remind students that ISU’s community is supportive and wants to see its students succeed.”
Members of the Illinois State community came together to build life-changing experiences for current and future Redbirds when they gave during the sixth annual Birds Give Back in February. Redbird alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends raised $1,683,781 from 4,415 individual gifts in just 24 hours on February 22.
The Illinois State University endowment grew approximately 10% from $204.6 million to $224.7 million in 2024. Chair of the Illinois State University Foundation Board of Directors Dan Kelley ’70 said the endowment and its continued growth exemplifies the strength of the University.
“The endowment is an asset that allows donors’ contributions to respond to the University’s needs for the betterment of the Redbird community today and in the future,” Kelley said.
“The dedication of donors who support Illinois State is testament to the value of an Illinois State University education,” said University Advancement Vice President Pat Vickerman. “Donors fuel excellence in scholarship, research, and the student experience. Every gift creates opportunities to enhance programs and shape our positive trajectory. We are grateful for the support and know that, together, we are enhancing Illinois State’s student-focused education and propelling the University to reach new heights.”
