November 2009
KU Endowment’s Impact on Lawrence Economy is Surprisingly Far-Reaching
Rosita Elizalde-McCoy Sr. VP, Communications and Marketing KU Endowment When most Lawrence residents think of local organizations that have a significant impact on the local economy, the name KU Endowment probably doesn’t come up. But its footprint on this community is surprisingly farreaching. Since its founding in 1891 as the first foundation of its kind for a public university, KU Endowment has supplied more than $1.6 billion to the University of Kansas. It operates as an independent nonprofit whose sole job is to raise and manage funds on behalf of KU. In the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009, 45,186 donors set a record in contributions of $106.5 million to KU Endowment—a remarkable achievement during the worst recession since the Great Depression. Donors
came from every state and 55 foreign countries, and their generosity fuels the local economy in direct and indirect ways. It translates into jobs, cultural offerings, visitors and new residents. At a time when state financing covers less than a quarter of KU’s total operating expenses, private gifts are increasingly crucial to virtually all activities of the university. “In this difficult budget environment, our donors’ generosity is inspiring,” Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said. “It speaks volumes about their determination for KU to maintain its place as a world-class university.” Dale Seuferling, who has been president of KU Endowment since 2002, agrees. “This remarkable level of generosity shows the confidence our donors have in KU,” he said. In the past ten years alone, KU Endowment has funded construction projects worth more
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