Donor Participation and Trends
The Fisher Forward campaign saw a significant shift in donor composition.
Shift in Donor Composition
- Individual donors contributed 56% of dollars. Organizations and public grant dollars rose to 44%, a notable increase from the Vision 2020 campaign (34%).
- Alumni donations surged to $54.9 million, 39% of total raised, driven by a small percentage of high-value donors.
- In comparison with the prior Vision 2020 campaign, federal and state grant dollars rose 246%, reaching $27.2 million, and foundation support grew 534% to $24.3 million, highlighting strategic donor cultivation success.
Legacy Giving
- Legacy gifts rose to 19% of the campaign total, contributing $26.3 million. Strategic education on planned giving and tax-smart donations helped foster this growth.
- This was up from 6% in Vision 2020 but still aligns with industry best practices for planned gifts to make up 10-20% of total campaign revenue.
- Of these planned gifts, $3.6 million were realized during the campaign.
Presidents Society Leading the Way
- Established in 2019, the Presidents Society honors Fisher’s most visionary philanthropists—those whose lifetime giving totals $1 million or more.
- 44.6% of all private dollars raised during Fisher Forward came from Presidents Society members.
- $49.9 million contributed to scholarships, academic innovation, and capital projects.
- 42 members were added during the course of the campaign.
Spire Society Impact on the Fisher Fund
The Spire Society recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more annually to the University’s Fisher Fund. This society has more than doubled since FY17, significantly increasing its support for the Fisher Fund. It offers flexible giving options and strong stewardship, engaging members with Fisher’s mission.
