California State University system enjoys record charitable donations

The California State University’s recent annual report on philanthropy for 2012-13 shows that the system pulled in $338 million in gift commitments, up 14% from the previous year.

Charitable gift receipts topped $282 million, which was the most in the system’s history, officials said.

“This support represents a critical investment in the future,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White, “as we prepare the engineers, artists, health care workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and scientists of tomorrow.”

White added that the generosity “also sends a key message across California that the CSU is important, worthy of ongoing support, and a vital economic engine for our state.”

The report also noted that the total market value for CSU endowments has now exceeded $1 billion for the past three years.

The donations were “reflecting a renewed confidence in the rebounding economy,” the report said.

The report said individual donations from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends jumped $28.6 million, or 27%, to $135.8 million.

Gifts from organizations rose $14 million, or 11%, to $147 million. Foundation contributions also grew.

Corporate giving was largely unchanged at $51 million.

The CSU system has 23 campuses, 437,000 students and 44,000 faculty and staff.