Significant progress in donor pledges to the University has been made so far this fiscal year. The $55.3 million in new and conditional pledges in addition to cash gifts, which total more than $64.6 million, put the University on track to match the previous year’s giving. The Senior Class Gift Campaign led by OU students launched this week is an example of the role students play in fundraising success for the University.
“Every day I have the pleasure of speaking with alumni and friends who adore our institution,” said Interim Vice President for University Development Jill Hughes. “Donors invest to ensure OU continues to pursue excellence in all we do. I am thankful for the $55.3 million in new pledges donors have committed this fiscal year to support our students, faculty and staff.”
While pledges have increased this fiscal year, actual cash gifts received are lagging for the same period. Current cash donations are 31 percent lower than the same time last year. A significant drop was seen in December when a number of factors including a volatile stock market, changes in the tax code for charitable giving, and significant press stories about OU caused donors to delay giving. The University Development office measures both pledges and cash gifts on an annual basis.
OU students are active participants in fundraising activities, including OU Giving Day and Thousands Strong. This year’s Senior Class Gift Campaign will focus on programs selected by the senior class that directly impact today’s students across all academic disciplines including: the OU Food Pantry, Sooners Helping Sooners and Study Abroad Support. The 2019 Senior Class Gift Campaign has a goal of raising $10,000 for these initiatives and kicked off this week. The student-led Campaign runs through April 5.
Nearly $480,000 was raised during the 2018 OU Giving Day, with more than 350 students and 430 faculty and staff contributing to the program of their choice. Starting this year, Campus Campaign, usually held in March, will now take place in the fall semester to align with OU Giving Day. Stay tuned for more information about this year’s Campus Campaign and OU Giving Day.