Donors invested more than $78.2 million in the University of Vermont (UVM) and University of Vermont Medical Center during the fiscal year that ended June 30. This year’s total includes $28 million for scholarships and financial aid, $18.3 million for endowed faculty positions, and $27.2 million for academic, research, and extracurricular programs.

Over 21,000 people made gifts to the university, including alumni, parents, friends, and many current students. These individuals directed over $50 million (64%) of the donated resources to the university’s endowment, which permanently invests the funds and uses the investment income to financially support donors’ chosen areas of interest.

Endowed funds continue to support donors’ areas of interest every year, in perpetuity, providing stable resources for the university for generations to come. The remaining funds were made available for the university to use immediately in accordance with donors’ intentions, predominantly in offering scholarships and supporting programs that enhance students’ learning experiences.

“Each one of our donors plays an important part in making UVM the outstanding university it is,” said UVM President Suresh Garimella. “By investing in our students, faculty, and staff, today and for generations to come, these generous friends are helping us expand the boundaries of what it means to be a leading educational and research institution with local, national, and global impact. To each donor, I say ‘thank you’ on behalf of the entire UVM community.”

Donors designated their gifts to over 750 different university programs over the course of the year, from the Abbey Endowment for Global Engagement Fund to the ZEST A Cappella Club Fund. These gifts have had a significant impact in virtually every corner of campus.

“By supporting people and programs throughout UVM with this level of enthusiasm and pride, donors have spoken loudly and clearly about their confidence in the university,” said UVM Foundation President and CEO Monica Delisa. “Their thoughtfulness and generosity are an inspiration to students, and ensure that the educational experience at UVM will remain truly outstanding.”

The university’s two interrelated, multi-year fundraising initiatives are being received enthusiastically. SOAR: The Campaign for Student Success at UVM is a $150-million fundraising campaign to support the success of a diverse, engaged body of outstanding students through financial aid, extracurricular programs, and experiential learning. To date, donors have given $88.8 million to this initiative, representing nearly 60% of the goal.

Meanwhile, donors and grantors have contributed $136.6 million (68% of goal) to SOLVE: The Campaign for Breakthrough Research at UVM, a $200-million campaign to invest in the university’s distinctive research strengths improving the health of our societies and the health our environment. Donors to SOLVE provide critical support for UVM graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff as they strive to address some of the most pressing needs of our time.