The California State University is the leader in providing a high-quality, affordable higher education to meet the ever-changing needs of California. While the CSU depends on state funds to support many core educational functions, the university increasingly relies on the generosity of private donors to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

External support helps our universities open access to a broad and diverse student population, build technologically advanced libraries and classrooms, and support innovative teaching models and partnerships. In 2003-2004, donors committed more than $283 million in new gifts, new pledges and new testamentary provisions in support of these efforts. This new philanthropic activity builds a pipeline of support that helps the CSU have enormous impact on California’s economic, social and cultural prosperity.

Recognizing the needs of a growing student population, alumni and friends provided more than $13 million for student scholarships and invested more than $51 million to enhance the physical space required to serve the CSU’s 409,000 students on its 23 campuses. Additionally, faculty garnered $52 million in support to help prepare the job-ready graduates that are criticalto the state’s knowledge-based economy.

Looking to the future viability of the CSU, donors committed nearly $39 million to university endowments, creating a lasting legacy of support. Of all charitable gifts received, 97 percentwere designated to specific interests identified by the donor.

In addition to charitable support, the CSU received more than $1 billion in operating grants and contracts revenue. Federal grants exceeding $684 million included student financial assistance grants such as Pell, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) and Work Study.

A college education goes beyond the classroom. A college education is about the infinite possibilities that can transform a person’s life. We are grateful for the support of individuals, corporations and foundations who understand that the California State University is about changing lives, but it is also about changing the state and the state of things.