Partnerships - The University of South Carolina Aiken

Importance of Unrestricted Giving
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chemistry lab flask
basketball
artist’s easel
hen alumni and friends give unrestricted funds to USC Aiken, they are providing what are, in many ways, the most valuable gifts that we receive.
Unrestricted giving assures USC Aiken of an unparalleled flexibility in meeting new needs and seizing opportunities as they arise. USC Aiken’s need
for unrestricted funds is particularly acute during times of economic uncertainty and institutional transition. These gifts are exactly what their name
implies, funds given to USC Aiken without restrictions on how the money will be used. Unrestricted funds are especially valuable because they allow the University
to address immediate priorities and enhance programs not covered by the endowment or other sources of income.
While it is true that unrestricted annual giving is made up primarily of smaller gifts, some donors do give very large amounts of money without conditions.
Moreover, the impact of smaller gifts should not be underestimated. For example, a gift of $25 could buy a flask for a chemistry lab; $40 acquires an easel for the art
department or a basketball for student-athletes; $250 benefits the library with a subscription to a quarterly journal.
Alumni Giving
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SCA’s alumni giving rate has grown consistently over the past few years. With a low point of 1.3% in
the 2002-2003 year to 7.6% last year, our alumni are demonstrating growing support of their alma
mater.
Last year, almost $100,000 in donations were contributed by alumni. In addition, the USCA Alumni Council
raised $13,000 for
scholarships through their
8
fundraising efforts with
the Annual Alumni Golf
7
Classic and the Alumni
6
Silent Auction.
5
4
3
2
1
0
3.9%
3.3%
3.1%
3.1%
2.1%
1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007
1.3%
2.0%
Alumni Giving Rates
5.4%
5.9%
7.6%
Alumni are also important
to the recruitment of new
students. Recently, alumni
were featured in the Book
of Majors (shown right), a
publication for prospective
students. Who better than
an alum to tell the story of
USCA