University of Arkansas concludes Campaign Arkansas fundraising drive with record contributions

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville concluded a capital campaign by raising a record $1.45 billion for student, faculty, program and capital support. The private fundraising will advance academic opportunity at the university, continue to transform the campus and promote student success, according to a UA news release distributed Thursday (Aug. 5).

The silent phase of the fundraising, called Campaign Arkansas, began on July 1, 2012, with an initial goal of $1 billion. It launched publicly in fall 2016, and the goal was raised to $1.25 billion in spring 2018. More than 123,400 supporters contributed during the campaign, and $348.9 million will be added to the endowment once received.

“The success of Campaign Arkansas can be attributed to the generosity of the university’s alumni and friends and support from the entire campus community, as well as the hard work of our deans and unit leaders and advancement team,” Chancellor Joe Steinmetz said in a statement. “All of these groups were unwavering in their commitment to strengthening the university and providing additional resources for student and faculty success.”

Over the course of the campaign, the UA said gifts accounted for the following:

• 37% — Student scholarships and academic programs
• 25% — Faculty and staff support
• 32% — Capital improvements
• 6% — Other key initiatives.

There were 1,026 new student support accounts, such as scholarships and fellowships, created as a result of Campaign Arkansas, as well as 112 faculty and staff support funds, including 46 new endowed faculty positions.

Gifts from individuals made up 22% of the campaign total, according to the UA. Another 24% came from corporations, while 47% came from foundations and 7% came from other organizations, including trusts and estates. All private gifts and pledges to the university are designated and allocated for specific purposes set forth by each donor and used solely for these purposes.

The largest gift to Campaign Arkansas was announced in July — a $194.7 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation for the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R). The gift helped push the university past its goal.