College of William and Mary
07/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/22/2024 12:55
W&M sees record-breaking philanthropy, bucking a national trend
W&M sees record-breaking philanthropy, bucking a national trend
More than $107 million raised for areas across the university in fiscal year 2024
Published July 22, 2024
The William & Mary community gave more than $107 million to areas across the university in fiscal year (FY) 2024 - the most in a year outside a comprehensive campaign - bucking a national decline in philanthropic giving from individuals.
This total was buoyed by the successful conclusion of the All In campaign for athletics, a strong One Tribe One Day giving day and gifts of all sizes, including a transformational gift to establish Robert M. Gates Hall. Engagement remained strong this year with thousands of alumni and friends attending events and joining One Network, W&M's new networking platform, among other initiatives.
The university raised more than $10.5 million in FY24 to support internships and other applied learning opportunities, as part of William & Mary's commitment to providing funding for unpaid and underfunded internship experiences. William & Mary ranks in the top 10 for internships among all universities in the U.S.
In FY24, 30,692 donors gave to W&M, including more than 1,026 graduating seniors. Gifts of $100 or less collectively added up to $1.2 million, showing a continued democratization of philanthropy at the university and the potential for every gift to make an impact.
"William & Mary convenes bright and curious minds to spark new knowledge," said President Katherine A. Rowe. "We are grateful to our donors for valuing that core mission; they ensure that the Alma Mater of the Nation will continue to change our world for the better. The generosity we have seen from across our far-flung community this past year shows just how closely we are united in that shared purpose."
Reflecting W&M's commitment to affordability, donors collectively contributed $15 million for scholarships, including a $2.5-million scholarship and applied learning gift that will open doors for Pell Grant-eligible students from outside Virginia. In the 2023-24 academic year, W&M began ensuring scholarship aid to cover at least tuition and fees for all in-state undergraduate Pell Grant-eligible students.
Gifts from corporations and foundations also broke records for the second year in a row, contributing more than $16.2 million.
Making national news this year, a $30 million gift from an anonymous alumna pays tribute to former U.S. Secretary of Defense (2006-2011) and current university Chancellor Robert M. Gates '65, L.H.D. '98. Gates Hall, the first academic building in the nation to bear Gates' name, will be home to three university-wide centers. All three generate research of national and international consequence: the Global Research Institute, the Institute for Integrative Conservation and the Whole of Government Center of Excellence.
Giving to higher education institutions declined 2.5% from fiscal years 2022 to 2023, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education reported in February. The latest Giving USA report also saw individual philanthropy to all causes declined 2.4% when adjusted for inflation in fiscal year 2023.
"Our culture of philanthropy and engagement is integral to our community - it ensures William & Mary can thrive," said Matthew T. Lambert '99, senior vice president for university advancement. "Every gift makes a difference to our ability to deliver a world-class education and foster meaningful connection across our university."
Going All In
In December, William & Mary successfully closed itsAll In campaign for athletics, exceeding its $55 million goal and signaling to all 23 Division I varsity teams, their fans and W&M as a whole that athletics at the Alma Mater of the Nation matters and is a critical part of the university's commitment to excellence.
In total, the campaign raised $57.2 million, including $13.2 million for scholarships, thanks to the outpouring of support from 11,206 donors. Of those donors, 3,280 gave to athletics for the first time and 2,310 donors made their first gift ever to W&M. Nearly $3.4 million was secured for the Athletics Impact Fund, which infused immediate-use funds into teams, programs and areas facing pressing needs across the department.
Expanding professional success
The community came together on One Network, a new platform that brings together the William & Mary community for professional networking on a global scale for insights, networking engagement and to support each other. Momentum on the platform grew with 5,362 new users. Of the almost 6,500 alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff using One Network, 74% have indicated in their profiles that they are willing to help others advance their careers through providing career connections, advice and more.
In February, the fifth annual Professional Development Week brought nearly 1,000 members of the W&M community together for networking, career development and personal growth. 18 alumni and staff volunteered their time and expertise as speakers to contribute valuable insights and practical tools gleaned throughout of their careers.
This June, the Career Development and Professional Engagement team won a Gold 2024 Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for its externship program. The university also received Congressional funding to expand its internship program and President Rowe was honored by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) with their 2024 Career Services Champion Award.
Engagement across the W&M community
More than 4,000 members of the W&M community returned to campus for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Oct. 19-22, which included over 100 events hosted by the W&M Alumni Association, campus partners, and student and alumni organizations. Glenn Close '74, D.A. '89, H.F. '19, one of the nation's most distinguished actors of stage, television and film, was a featured guest at the dedication of the first phase of the W&M Arts Quarter.
Then, in March, community pride and outstanding generosity were shared around the world on W&M's 11th One Tribe One Day, the university's annual giving day, on March 26, 2024. More than 11,500 students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends came together to raise nearly $3.8 million for over 880 designations across campus.
Traditions Weekend in April brought together the 50th Reunion Class of 1974, the Olde Guarde (alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more) and the Honorable Robert Boyle Legacy Society (those who have included W&M in their estate plans) for special events and programs. The Class of 1974 presented President Rowe with a check for over $14 million, which represented gifts from 48% of the class and included support for a scholarship endowment and an internship and applied learning endowment created by the class.
The Boyle Society also celebrated growth of more than 100 new members, with the youngest being a member of the Class of 2024. Members have committed more than $360 million in their estate plans for W&M.
The Society of 1918, a giving society committed to growing the engagement leadership and philanthropy of W&M women, now comprises over 635 members. Members support the Alumnae Initiatives Endowment as well as W&M funds of their choosing. New for 2024, the Society sponsored a 12-week cohort experience, "Navigating Life Transitions," in which 52 W&M women met with executive coaches and received peer support. They also awarded 10 grants from the Alumnae Initiatives Endowment for faculty and students of all genders for projects that address the needs and interests of women.
Throughout the year, thousands of alumni stayed connected with one another and W&M through programs hosted and sponsored by identity and affinity alumni communities.
"Every member of our community plays a critical role in fueling William & Mary's success, including through gifts of time and treasure, internship and employment opportunities for students and alumni, transformative leadership gifts and consistent annual support," says Lambert. "It is a privilege to see so many answer the call to shape the university's future."