Puget Sound received support to promote educational access, lifelong learning, and experiential learning.
In July, the University of Puget Sound closed the books on another successful fundraising year, celebrating $31.18 million in gifts and pledges—one of the biggest fundraising years in the university’s history. These gifts help the university continue to advance the ambitious goals of its 10-year strategic plan, Leadership for a Changing World, and further establish Puget Sound among the finest liberal arts institutions in the country. Thanks to generous donors, Puget Sound is able to expand access to education, provide an array of experiential learning opportunities for students, and foster a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
“At a time when the value of higher education is under increased scrutiny, we continue to invest in providing a world-class education for our students, supporting innovative research, and serving our community,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “We couldn’t do this important work without the generosity of our donors. Together, we are laying a strong foundation for the future of Puget Sound.”
Headlining this year’s philanthropic contributions are two transformational gifts: a $1.33 million grant from the Mellon Foundation for Puget Sound’s Crime, Law, & Justice Studies program and a $1 million commitment from the Offutt Family Foundation to empower female athletes through Puget Sound Athletics’ Elevate: Women’s Athletics Wellness & Leadership Development Program. In support of Puget Sound’s commitment to student-athletes, donors contributed $283,387 to upgrade the university’s athletics facilities.
As part of its ongoing work to expand access to higher education, the university also received $598,500 from the Ascendium Education Group to develop resources for higher education in prison programs across the country. Puget Sound recently awarded bachelor’s degrees to its first cohort of students to earn four-year baccalaureate degrees at the Washington Corrections Center for Women.
It was a banner year for commitments in support of financial aid as well, with more than $3 million raised for scholarships and access programs including Summer Academic Challenge, which offers STEM-based education to local middle schoolers, and the Posse Scholars program, which provides financial assistance to students with extraordinary leadership potential. Among the commitments was funding to establish three new scholarships and boost several existing scholarships, paving the way for more students to experience a Puget Sound education.
The university also received $14.45 million in planned gift commitments, including $12.97 million in restricted endowment to directly support Puget Sound’s scholarships and financial aid as well as high-impact experiential learning opportunities like summer research, study abroad and study away programs, internships, and more. The remaining $1.48 million was raised for the university’s unrestricted endowment, which allows Puget Sound to be flexible in how it uses funding in order to address the institution’s greatest needs.
In total, Puget Sound received support from 3,648 donors, many of whom participated in Logger Day Challenge. This annual event supports the Puget Sound Fund, which provides financial aid and addresses the university’s most critical needs. The Puget Sound Fund received a total of $2.065 million this year from alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university.
“Looking back on this year, every dollar raised and every contribution made continues to have a real and meaningful impact on the lives of our students,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees Beth Picardo ’83, J.D.’86. “We’re so grateful to the entire Puget Sound community for supporting the future of our university.”
A portion of this year's fundraising efforts contributes to the University of Puget Sound's overall endowment, which currently totals more than $470 million, setting the university up for long-term financial health and continued success in the future. Support from donors at every level enables the University of Puget Sound to deliver on its mission, expand programming to meet changing needs, and prepare the next generation of engaged citizens and leaders. Another year of generous giving and donor engagement makes possible the kind of life-changing experience that is the hallmark of a Puget Sound education.
