UNLV Foundation boasts rising donations

Friday, Sept. 24, 1999 | 10:45 a.m.

Contributions to the UNLV Foundation have more than doubled from five years ago, with last year's total of private donations reaching $23.3 million.

"We appear to be on an upward slope," John Gallagher, executive director of the foundation, said. "This is the third best year in the university's history. The last four years have been the best."

During the 1997-98 fiscal year the foundation raised its record $28 million, he said. Total private donations over the past four years come to $95 million.

The UNLV Foundation is the fund-raising arm of the university and has served UNLV since 1981. Gifts are used to provide scholarships, research facilities and other equipment.

"We think we could do better as we grow and mature as an organization," Gallagher said.

Just five years ago the foundation's total annual donations were only about $9 million, Gallagher added.

Gallagher attributes contribution growth to efforts on the part of UNLV President Carol Harter, who was appointed in February 1995.

The university is better at serving the community through initiatives with the school district and corporate partnerships, he said. "This all creates good links with the community and comes back as two-way support."

The UNLV Foundation also had its record number of donors this past year -- 7,200, Gallagher said. Around 80 percent of this past year's donors were individuals. Nearly 35 percent of the total $23.3 million came from individuals.

The University of Reno, Nevada, raised a record $28.2 million during the school's 1998-99 fiscal year, Greg Bortolin, spokesman for the university said.