IU reaches record amount of donors, receives $268.5M

A record number of donors was recorded as IU received $268.5 million in private-sector support in 2007. President Michael McRobbie announced IU’s accomplishment Monday. \nThe large sum of gifts from donors and non-governmental research grants reached the third highest level in IU history, according to an IU \npress release. \n“Indiana University’s excellence in teaching and research is reflected in the resounding support we traditionally receive from the private sector,” McRobbie said in a \npress release. \n“Through the immense generosity of a record number of donors, we are able to readily adapt to widespread changes in higher education, to build upon our world-class education and research environment and to expand our relationships with institutions around the globe. We are deeply grateful for this support, which will allow us to achieve our grandest aspirations and create an even more successful future for \nIndiana University.” \nThe record number of donors, which reached 112,195 this year, was a large increase from last year’s 106,735. \nBarbara Coffman, spokeswoman for the IU Foundation, said hard work and generous people made this record \npossible. \n“We always have a goal of having more donors than in the previous year,” Coffman said. “We always want to aim higher. IU deserves it.” \nIU has ranked among the top 20 universities in the nation – public and private – in the amount it receives from the private sector for 15 of the past 17 years, according to a press release. In 2006, IU ranked 17th in the nation. \n“The University is extraordinarily happy with the tremendous support they receive from alum and donors,” said Larry MacIntyre, director of media relations. “It makes a huge difference with the quality of programs that they’re able to provide, and without that support IU wouldn’t be anything like it is.” \nDonations, often received through mail, IU telefunds and special campaigns, are 98 percent restricted, which means the donor decides what the gift will be used for. \n“Most donors are looking to do something important and worthwhile that means something to them personally,” Coffman said. “They aren’t usually going for recognition; they’re usually giving so they can do something good for \nthe world.”