Campaign Iowa State Stretches to $700 Million with Second Largest Fundraising Totals in University History

Despite uncertain economic conditions, more than 48,000 benefactors made gifts and future commitments totaling $127.7 million to the Iowa State University Foundation between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The fundraising total exceeded the year’s $125 million goal.

The fundraising total is the second highest amount in Iowa State’s history.

Campaign Iowa State received pledges and commitments totaling $127.7 million this past fiscal year including a $1.5 pledge from Cargill to establish the Cargill Endowed Chair in Energy Economics (pictured).

"This is tremendous news, especially given the state of our nation’s economy, and we are extremely grateful to our alumni and friends for their generous support of Iowa State University," said Gregory L. Geoffroy, Iowa State president. "Private support is very important to this university, and the positive impact of Campaign Iowa State is being felt all across the campus, by our students, faculty and staff members, and many users of Iowa State’s programs and services."

Giving during the year also pushes the university’s comprehensive campaign — Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose — over $700 million. The seven-and-half year campaign was publicly launched in October 2007 when an $800 million goal was announced. The campaign will conclude December 31, 2010.

At the end of FY09, Campaign Iowa State had raised more than $226.1 million for programmatic support, $209.8 million for student support including scholarships, $145.5 for faculty support and $117.2 for new and renovated facilities on campus.

Since the fundraising effort was started, Iowa State benefactors have supported a number of projects, including new facilities such as the Alumni Center, Hach Hall (chemistry building), and the Dr. W. Eugene and Linda Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. An additional 60 endowed faculty positions and nearly 600 new student scholarships have also been created.

"While many non-profits are struggling with the down economy, it’s exciting to see that our alumni and friends are continuing to support Iowa State University," said Dan Saftig, president of the ISU Foundation. "The impact is being felt throughout the university and will continue to be felt for years to come, thanks to the generosity of our loyal benefactors."

Another milestone

The ISU Foundation also surpassed another landmark in university fundraising history when Campaign Iowa State totals eclipsed $673.1 million earlier in FY09. This milestone exceeds the private support generated during the previous two fundraising efforts combined at Iowa State.

"Campaign Destiny: To Become the Best," which concluded in June 2000, raised $458.6 million in outright and deferred gifts. The previous campaign, "Partnership for Prominence," raised $214.5 million and concluded in 1993. The combined total of those two campaigns was $673.1 million.

Back to top.