Give with immediate impact
Annual funds are a type of current gift that provide an important source of operational revenue. They are usually used in the year they are received and can be used to support day-to-day needs.
Because annual gifts are used during the year in which they are received, they make an immediate impact on the lives of students and faculty.
Growing annual giving is a top priority of the Campaign. Our latest assessment shows that a higher percentage of our regular annual giving donors are renewing their support year after year. In addition to greater participation, total income from annual, major and other gifts under $25,000 surpassed $43 million in FY 2007. This is an increase of 3.6% over the previous fiscal year. Our friends are making annual giving a priority and the number of our friends category donors is significantly increasing.
Make an annual gift
You may make an annual gift at any time to the University of Illinois Foundation. If you haven’t recently received a direct mail appeal or phone call, email us or call 217-333-8668. You may also contact the development office of the unit you’d like to support.
Telemarketing
Student callers are a vital part of the University of Illinois’ ongoing development activities. The Annual Giving Department employs approximately 110 student callers every semester. In 2006, student callers reached 225,134 prospects at least once and secured about $1.6 million in pledges in the process.
Talking to alumni and friends across the nation gives our students the chance to develop skills in public relations, marketing and customer relations.
Our student callers can update you on University life and current issues, as well as important priorities for the University. Best of all, they’re here to let you know how much we appreciate your contributions to the University of Illinois.
Annual Giving Statistics
- As of August 2007, direct mail income increased by over 11% and telemarketing rose by over 17%.
- Overall, online giving has quintupled since FY 2004.
- Since FY 2003, Chicago averaged over 10% yearly growth in annual, major and other gifts under $25,000, and Urbana-Champaign averaged over 6%. Despite a decline in FY 2007, Springfield averaged almost 17% growth per year over the period.