University of Illinois System, U of I Foundation Endowment Shows Impressive 14.1 Percent Return for FY17

Urbana, Ill.—For 82 years, the University of Illinois Foundation and the University of Illinois have worked together to secure and manage private gifts from donors who are committed to the University and advancing its excellence in teaching, research and public engagement.

Figures for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2017, were announced Thursday, October 12, at the Foundation’s Annual Business Meeting with approximately 450 alumni and donors in attendance including elected Foundation Board of Directors, foundation members, members of the President’s Council, and members of the Chancellor’s Circle.

The University of Illinois System and the University of Illinois Foundation registered $278.4 million in outright cash gifts, pledge payments, annuity/life income gifts and estate distributions in FY 2017, noted Christy Devocelle, Chief Financial Officer of the University of Illinois Foundation. The FY 2017 cash flow total surpassed the $220 million mark for the fifth consecutive year.

“Philanthropy is the edge that makes the University of Illinois System a global leader in education and discovery, not just one of the pack,” said Tim Killeen, president of the University of Illinois System. “The generosity of our donors has helped build three best-in-class universities and a crucial pipeline of world-class talent and innovation that drives progress and prosperity.”

Of the $278.4 million raised last fiscal year, foundations were the largest donor source at 26.0 percent, followed by alumni (23.0 percent), corporations (20.8 percent), and friends (12.1 percent). The category of “other sources” included 18.1 percent of the total.

Donors designated $63.6 million of their gifts for research, $55.3 million for facilities, $42.1 million for student support, $28.8 million for academic programs, $11.4 million for public service, $9.3 million for faculty support, and $4.0 million for other areas.

Of the $278.4 million total, $63.9 million was designated by donors to a university, college, department or program for its unrestricted use at the discretion of the dean or unit head. The majority (80.6 percent, or $224.3 million) of the $278.4 million was designated as current use funds (to be used during the current fiscal year), while 18.7 percent ($52.1 million) was designated for the endowment and 0.7 percent ($2.0 million) was designated for annuity/life income funds.

The University System and U of I Foundation also recorded $286.3 million in new business, comprised of new gifts, grants, pledges and deferred commitments in FY 2017. This marks the eleventh consecutive year that new business has surpassed the $250 million mark. Of the new business total, $87.4 million were provided by alumni, $58.7 million by foundations, $46.5 million by friends, $46.1 million by corporations, and $47.6 million by other sources.

“The Annual Foundation Business Meeting and associated events provide an important opportunity to celebrate the impact that private giving has on the University of Illinois,” said U of I Foundation President/CEO James H. Moore, Jr. “Our three outstanding universities continue to be places that change lives and strengthen communities because of our caring and generous donors. We are grateful for their continued confidence and support.”

The University and U of I Foundation combined active endowment stood at $2.54 billion as of June 30, 2017. The one-year preliminary return of the combined endowment pool (for FY 2017) was 14.1 percent. The three-year return was 4.7 percent and the five-year return was 8.5 percent.

About the University of Illinois System and the U of I Foundation
The University of Illinois System is a world leader in research and discovery, the largest educational institution in the state with more than 83,000 students, and universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield. The U of I awards more than 20,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees annually. The University of Illinois Foundation, established in 1935, is dedicated to securing and administering private gifts for the University of Illinois System and its three universities.

For more information:
Sue Johnson | Director, Communications and Marketing
University of Illinois Foundation
johnso16@uif.uillinois.edu | 217.244.7114 (office) or 217.417.7835 (cell)