A List
9/1/09

St. Lawrence's Gift Income Over $14 Million In Fiscal Year 2008-2009

CANTON - St. Lawrence University's total gift income in fiscal year 2008-2009, which ended June 30, was $14,228,754. While the total represents a drop from the previous year's record-setting level, much of the decrease is attributed to several significant one-time-only gifts that were received in 2007-2008. Other factors affecting giving include the general downturn in the economy and instability of financial markets.

Giving to the St. Lawrence Fund, which represents gifts from alumni, parents and friends in support of the University's ongoing operations, totaled $4,583,068, a decrease of about 14 percent from the previous year, from 9,060 donors. Total grant revenue from private sources was $1,567,644, received from foundations, corporations and organizations, a 13 percent increase over 2007-2008.

As of June 30, $150,287,105 has been raised in commitments and gifts to the Momentum St. Lawrence campaign, which has goal of raising $200 million by December 31, 2010. This represents an additional $12,480,094 over the 2007-08 year-end total of $137,807,011.

Vice President for University Advancement Michael P. Archibald stated, "For the last several decades, philanthropy has held up amazingly well during recessionary periods, even increasing over previous years. The last year has proven an exception for St. Lawrence and many other charities nationally. Donors have been advised to hold onto their assets until they increase in value again, and job loss and insecurity has made it difficult for others to participate in giving. "Nonetheless, St. Lawrence continues to benefit from the incredible generosity of spirit felt by our alumni, parents and friends, motivated by our commitment to need-based financial aid for deserving students and achieving excellence in liberal arts education," he added. "As we enter the final laps of our Momentum St. Lawrence Campaign, we remain confident that we can meet our goals and are deeply grateful for the extraordinary dedication felt by Laurentians in the North Country and around the world."

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