Fundraising Continues Strong at Brandeis

Brandeis University enjoyed another strong fundraising year in fiscal year 2010, securing $72 million in donations. It was the fifth consecutive year in which the total exceeded $70 million. The target for the all-important Annual Fund, which supports student financial aid and other urgent needs, also was exceeded, by 30 percent.

The positive results for the fiscal year that ended June 30 came despite continued economic turbulence around the world and a presidential transition at Brandeis. Jehuda Reinharz, PhD ’72, who has served as president since 1994, will step down on January 1, 2011, and be succeeded by Frederick Lawrence, who is currently dean of the George Washington University Law School.

During fiscal year 2010, Brandeis received seven new commitments of $1 million to $4.25 million, including a gift of $2 million for undergraduate scholarships from an alumnus who wishes to remain anonymous.

Gifts to the Annual Fund totaled $10.4 million, 30 percent above the goal of $8 million.

The University’s top fundraising goal continues to be securing funds to meet the growing financial-aid needs of Brandeis students.

While many peer institutions have reduced the amount of scholarship aid available, Brandeis has continued its commitment to educating the best students regardless of their ability to pay.

More than 70 percent of Brandeis students receive scholarship support. In the 2009-10 academic year, Brandeis awarded nearly $46 million in financial aid to students. The average award was almost $23,000.

Some other highlights of note:

• More and more Brandeis donors went online to make their gifts. An all-time high of 1,891 donors gave a record $557,274, more than double the online total just three years ago.
• The ongoing Campaign for Brandeis has raised $894 million, 73 percent of the way toward its $1.22 billion goal. Brandeis is the country’s youngest private college or university to launch a $1 billion campaign.