FUNDRAISING HISTORY
The University of Illinois’ first recorded private gift of $100—a significant sum at the time—was received in 1895.
From 1895 until 1935, private gifts to the University of Illinois totaled $3.2 million.
The creation of the Foundation in 1935 created the basis for planned and focused fundraising efforts to perform a key role in the University’s private gift program.
From 1935 to 1978, private gifts to the University made through the Foundation totaled $51.8 million.
Campaign for Illinois (1979–1985) $132 million
The Foundation’s first major fundraising endeavor ran from 1979 to 1985 with the goal of generating $100 million in private gifts. The campaign was a success, generating $132 million in support for the University.
Campaign Illinois (1991–2000) $1.53 billion
The Foundation’s second major fundraising campaign began in 1991 and reached its original goal of $1 billion in June 1998. The campaign was extended for two years, resulting in a final total over 50% more than its initial goal with $1.53 billion in support generated for the University.
With a goal of $2.25 billion, the Foundation’s largest campaign (and one of the largest in higher education history at the time) was publicly launched in June 2007.
Despite a national recession, the $2.25 billion Brilliant Futures goal was surpassed by close to $180 million with each campus exceeding its own goal.
Learn more about the Brilliant Future Campaign here.
Access Illinois: The Presidential Scholarship Initiative (2011–2014)
Announced in June 2011, Access Illinois is a three-year effort to raise at least $100 million expressly for scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of student support for all three University campuses. As of December 31, 2012, this campaign had new gifts, grants, pledges, and deferred commitments totaling $68.5 million.