Total private fundraising activity across Washington State University topped more than $145 million during fiscal year 2018, the third best fundraising year in WSU history.

“A vibrant culture of philanthropy at WSU is essential for success as WSU continues its drive to be recognized among the nation’s top 25 public research universities by 2030,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz in a release. “We deeply appreciate the individuals and organizations who are choosing to actively improve lives and make a difference for students, communities, and beyond through their investment in Washington State University.”

More than 53,800 donors committed their support during the last fiscal year (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018), providing broad-based support that enhances educational experiences for students, creates scholarships and fellowships, funds important research and capital projects, and advances outreach programs. Private support provides higher levels of excellence to enrich the core educational experience funded through tuition and state appropriations.

Among the notable highlights were the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation donating $1 million to the WSU Viticulture & Enology Program, to support teaching labs and facilities as well as scholarships for viticulture and enology students at the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center at WSU’s Tri-Cities campus in Richland.

All told, donors invested more than $64.4 million in private gifts and grants to fuel faculty, research and academic programs university wide during fiscal year 2018.

An additional $17 million in private support creates opportunities for students in the form of scholarships and graduate fellowships.

The WSU endowment experienced a net gain in market value of more than $37 million to finish the fiscal year at its high-water mark of $502.3 million. The endowment saw more than $24 million in new contributions and other additions, and distributions from the endowment topped $25 million, which directly supports students, faculty, research and other programs WSU-wide.