With more than 405,000 students on 23 campuses, the California State University is the largest university in the United States and has an extremely significant impact on the economy of the state and the regions where its campuses are located. The CSU prepares more than half of the graduates entering the workforce in all of California’s leading industries and about 80 percent of the graduates that serve the people of California, such as teachers and nurses.

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. Philanthropic support helps promote student success, improve instructional facilities and advance applied research. In 2004-05, donors committed more than $285 million in gifts, pledges and testamentary provisions to expand the margin of excellence that is achieved beyond the state’s investment.

Recognizing the needs of a growing student population, alumni and friends provided more than $30 million for student scholarships and invested more than $37 million to build technologically advanced libraries, laboratories and classrooms. Additionally, academic programs and faculty support garnered $62 million in contributions.

Looking to the future viability of the CSU, donors added more than $42 million to university endowments, creating a lasting legacy of support. Of all charitable gifts received, 97 percent were designated to specific interests identified by the donor.

In addition to charitable support, the university received more than $1 billion in operating grants and contracts revenue. Of the nearly $688 million received from federal grants, more than 50 percent was dedicated to student financial assistance in the form of Pell, Supplemental Educational Opportunity and Work Study grants. This support helps the university open access to a broad student population.

We are grateful for the support of individuals, corporations and foundations who understand that investing in the California State University and its students has an enormous impact on California’s social, economic and cultural prosperity.