Central College once again saw tremendous support in its fundraising efforts for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. More than 4,000 alumni and friends donated more than $4.6 million to support Central’s students and community.
Many gifts to Central in 2018-19 provided funds for financial aid, helping the college enroll its largest class in five years in the Fall 2019.
It was a record year for the Journey Scholarship Fund, which received more than $1.34 million, 5 percent more than the college’s goal and $100,000 more than the five-year average for the fund. This past academic year, 611 students received a Journey Scholarship thanks to the generosity of donors. At Central, 100 percent of gifts to the Journey Scholarship Fund directly support students.
The college also witnessed an increase in the number of endowed scholarships created, with 10 new scholarships formed, bringing the total of endowed scholarships at the college to 269. Endowed scholarships also directly support student education and leave a sustainable, long-term legacy of generosity.
In addition, donations funded research, faculty development and more. Central experienced a 50 percent increase from the previous fiscal year for restricted funds, including capital projects such as the Peace Mall renovation and Douwstra Auditorium renovation.
The Forever Dutch initiative, which funds updates for athletics facilities, received nearly $1 million in additional support.
“We are so grateful to our friends and donors for helping continue the tradition of giving that allows current and future students to have access to a Central education. Philanthropy helps underwrite every aspect of our mission. We are so incredibly fortunate to have donors — parents, alumni, friends and foundations — who are committed to this amazing institution,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central graduate.
To learn more about supporting Central, visit www.central.edu/alumni/priority.
