A Record-Setting Year for Philanthropy at Dartmouth

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Dartmouth received a record $171.5 million in total philanthropic support in the 2012 fiscal year, which ended June 30, and set four individual fund records, as well.

The 2012 total, made up of gifts from alumni, parents, and friends, surpassed the previous record of $167.6 million set in 2008. The new record also represents a significant increase—16.4 percent—over last year’s total figure of $147.4 million. These generous gifts support key areas such as financial aid, faculty, the arts, athletics, and a host of programs that enhance the student experience.

“This spectacular achievement highlights the commitment of Dartmouth’s loyal and generous donors, and the hard work of many alumni, parent, and friend volunteers,” says President Carol L. Folt. “The unprecedented generosity reflects the positive momentum generated on campus over the last year, and anticipates the aspirational course we are setting going forward.”

Dartmouth’s annual fundraising also set four institutional records:

  • The annual Dartmouth College Fund (DCF) achieved a total of $47 million in gifts. The previous record, $44.5 million, was set last year. Gifts to the DCF were received from more than 24,000 alumni donors, representing a participation rate of 44.2 percent.These annual, unrestricted gifts to the DCF directly sustain the student experience at Dartmouth, supporting financial aid, faculty and academic programs, athletics, culture and community.
  • The DCF total includes an all-time high of $3.7 million in gifts through the Parents & Grandparents Fund. The previous record was last year’s $3.6 million.
  • The Thayer School Annual Fund received a record $1.1 million in gifts from engineering alumni, with 29.8 percent participation. The total bested last year’s $1 million.
  • The Fund for the Geisel School of Medicine reached more than $736,000, with 31 percent participation, beating the previous record of more than $646,000, set last year.
Tuck Annual Giving continued its legacy of success and generosity, with $5.7 million in gifts to the business school from 70.4 percent of alumni.

The classes of 1952, 1977, and 1982 also broke reunion gift total records to the DCF on their 60th, 35th, and 30th reunion years, respectively. And the giving participation rate of 74.1 percent of the members of the class of 1954 was the highest participation of all classes for the 2012 DCF.

“It is inspiring when a year’s worth of heartfelt conversations with generous individuals and families adds up to the totals that Dartmouth has announced this year,” says Ann Root Keith, senior vice president for Advancement. “The support shown through the annual funds provides Dartmouth, Geisel, Thayer, and Tuck with great flexibility to support faculty and students, financial aid, and the broad student experience.”

Susan J. Boutwell