NEW ORLEANS – Tulane University said it has raised $127.8 million from 22,966 donors during the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the third-highest amount achieved by the university in a single year. This marks the fourth-straight year the university’s fundraising has exceeded $120 million in combined gifts, and Tulane has now received donations from 20,000-plus alumni, parents and friends in each of the last four years.
“These are some of the most difficult times to fundraise due to the harsh economic realities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tulane President Michael Fitts. “Yet our supporters recognize the importance of supporting Tulane and the vital role the university plays in the fight against COVID-19 and so many other challenges that face society today. We are so grateful for the generosity of so many which empowers all the good that we do, especially during these trying times.”
Amid the global pandemic and protests of racial injustice in America, Tulane has created four new funds in support of COVID-19 research and diversity, equity and inclusion from donors all around the world with gifts that totaled $3.5 million.
The four new funds include the Student Emergency Aid and Assistance Fund, the Healthcare Heroes Fund, the Emerging Research in Infectious Disease Fund and the Tulane Fund for Equity and Diversity. The Emerging Research in Infectious Disease is a fund to support the research priorities of researchers whose vital projects are most in the most need of support.
Tulane moved closer to fulfilling its goal for its “Only the Audacious” campaign. The university has now raised $1.17 billion toward its goal of $1.3 billion. To date, nearly $300 million of the campaign’s overall commitments will support innovative research, while a little over $100 million has been earmarked for endowed scholarships.
“We’re closing in on a historic achievement — the fulfillment of the $1.3 billion ‘Only the Audacious’ campaign. It’s been wonderful to see how Tulanians have risen to that challenge, and wonderful, too, to see how Tulane has created funds earmarked specifically to combat some of the major challenges of today,” said Catherine D. and R. Hunter Pierson, Jr., co-chairs of the campaign.
Tulane’s annual day of giving – titled “Give Green: A Day for the Audacious” – was once again a huge success for the university and its supporters. A total of 2,125 donors, including 420 first-time supporters, contributed over $1.1 million in 24 hours. This year’s total was a 43-percent increase over the amount received in 2019. Tulanians from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 11 countries contributed over 2,700 gifts.
Once again, donors gave more money to the Tulane Fund than ever before, contributing over $14 million. The annual fund is the university’s largest source of unrestricted support and helps provide funding for programs and services critical to the university and enables us to respond to pressing challenges such as those faced during COVID-19.
“This year’s outstanding numbers just go to show what Tulane supporters have known for a long time – that Tulane is worthy of investment,” said Virginia “Ginny” Wise, senior vice president of Advancement. “The devotion of Tulane’s committed community of donors is truly beyond measure. Their support in such a challenging year is a marvelous vote of confidence in Tulane’s bright future.”
Tulane donor support makes every aspect of the university possible, including research, scholarships, faculty recruitment and retention, campus infrastructure, athletics and numerous other university priorities.
