Buckeye Nation pushes Ohio State to new fundraising records

Buckeye Nation gave to The Ohio State University in record numbers in FY17, with more than 267,000 donors contributing over $532 million to education, research, athletics and innovation, including a cash total of $403 million.

Fundraising activity increased almost 17 percent from last year’s record $457 million – $396 million in cash – from 246,000 donors. More than 78,000 alumni contributed nearly $105 million, and current students and parents gave more than $5 million. The fiscal year ended June 30.

“Buckeye Nation continues to give back in new and greater ways, exemplifying a generosity of spirit unmatched anywhere in the world,” said President Michael V. Drake. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our broad alumni family and our friends as we lay the critical groundwork for an even more impactful future.”

Nearly $58 million is dedicated to student financial aid and support. Increased student support is part of Drake’s 2020 Vision to improve access, affordability and excellence in higher education.

University fundraising efforts in FY17 included the September conclusion of the record-breaking But for Ohio State Campaign, which raised more than $3 billion over seven years; and Ohio State’s first-ever Day of Giving, which raised nearly $3.5 million during a 36-hour period that began on February 14. Gifts over the year spanned a wide variety of causes and amounts – from a few dollars to cover a student’s dinner to a pair of $3 million endowed art professorships from the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation that are transformative for the departments of art and art history and for the university’s overall commitment to bolstering the arts and humanities.

“The generosity and dedication of Buckeye Nation is unparalleled, and it is reflected in the quality of the education, research and experiences at Ohio State,” said Michael C. Eicher, senior vice president for advancement and president of The Ohio State University Foundation. “We are grateful for the countless opportunities that donors provide to our students, faculty, staff and community.”

Heading into FY18, the university will continue to focus on long-term planning that imagines transformational research and learning environments over the next decade and beyond.