Resource Theme 4: Capacity development and operational effectiveness
Seattle Pacific University will foster a consistent donor base and pursue fundraising efforts and ancillary revenue sources to enhance institutional sustainability and vitality.
During the 2017 fiscal year, increasing numbers of alumni, parents, and friends supported Seattle Pacific with generous gifts. As of July 5, 2017, pending final budget reconciliation, the total amount of support raised was more than $9.1 million, the third-largest annual total in SPU history.
Objectives
- Secure a consistent donor base while simultaneously expanding capacity in both the number of donors and the amount of money raised.
- Develop organizational and donor capacity and system infrastructure to enable and support comprehensive fundraising efforts designed to enhance sustainability and institutional vitality.
- Identify ancillary revenue sources through mission-aligned opportunities.
- Develop a culture of continual improvement throughout the institution, informed by best practices, to ensure effective and efficient services and programs in support of the University’s mission and Strategic Vision.
- Attract, recruit, and retain faculty, staff, and students who reflect the priorities and profiles identified in the Strategic Vision.
What we’re doing
- The Seattle Pacific University endowment increased from $42.4 in 2010 to $103 million in 2017.
- The GiveBIG day in 2017 showed record results, with 393 donors and a $75,000 match resulting in $187,341 — the biggest day of giving to date.
- SPU’s 125th anniversary celebration culminated with an invitation-only gala attended by more than 300 guests on May 20, 2017. During an inspirational evening, guests gave more than $231,000.
98%
of 187 first-generation freshmen received financial aid.
95%
of undergraduate students
receive scholarships and/or
financial aid, meaning over $110 million was distributed by SPU in 2016–17.