The California State University had a record-breaking year in generating
non-state revenue in 2001/2002. Increases in both voluntary support and
special revenue were achieved despite a difficult economic environment
for donors.

Voluntary Support
Total voluntary support for the CSU system exceeded $257.2 million, an increase of 3.8 percent from last year’s total of $248.2 million. This represents the most successful fundraising year in the CSU’s history. Of the 23 CSU campuses, 11 campuses and the CSU Foundation showed increases in their voluntary support. San Diego State led the system by raising over $52 million, with a stunning increase of 25 percent in revenue over last year. Two CSU campuses exceeded $40 million—San Diego and San Luis Obispo—and two additional campuses exceeded $20 million—Long Beach and Fresno.

A close look at the giving totals reveals the effect the economy has had on private support. Giving by individuals, which commonly provides the backbone of all voluntary support of educational institutions, declined by 15 percent in 001/2002. Giving by alumni was the hardest hit, falling by 21 percent. However, while outright gifts from individuals fell, deferred gifts and pledges increased ubstantially. It appears that individuals continue to be interested in giving to CSU campuses, but are postponing their payments until future dates.

However, any ground lost in individual giving was more than made up for in giving from foundations and corporations. Foundation giving increased 7 percent from last year and corporate giving was up by a remarkable 31 percent. For the first time, corporate giving to the CSU exceeded $100 million.

Voluntary support plays an increasingly important role in campus operations. In 2001/2002 more than half of the money raised went to support the day-to-day academic mission of the CSU campuses. Nearly one-fourth of the funds was spent on campus enhancements, equipment or facilities, and 16 percent of the money raised was added to endowments.

Special Revenue
Special revenue has increased steadily from 1996 to the present, taking a 7 percent leap this year from $668 million to $738 million. Special revenue represents funds that are generated from non-state sources that are not included under voluntary support.

Increases in special revenue in 2001/2002 were seen in nearly every category—sponsorships, pledges, contracts, and endowment distribution. A major increase of more than 50 percent in sponsorships came primarily from one campus, San Diego State. San Diego State saw its sponsorship revenue more than triple, from $2 million to more than $7 million. In addition, bequest expectancies, the future revenue expected by campuses from revocable trusts and testamentary bequests, also saw a significant increase. Of greatest interest is the remarkable increase in multi-year pledges. This year pledges topped $100 million, a substantial increase of 36 percent. The increase in expected income from pledges and deferred gifts is partly the result of major campaigns underway at several campuses.

Income from contracts was up substantially last year. External resources derived from grants and contracts represent three-fourths of all special revenue income and are a significant benefit to the CSU and its campuses. The more than $500 million from grants and contracts is evidence of the confidence of businesses, governmental agencies and other outside sources in the capability of the CSU to fulfill major research, academic and programmatic assignments.

Campuses also continue to derive income from sponsorship agreements with corporations and vendors. All of these revenue sources help support academic programs and supplement public support.

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