In a year that included some groundbreaking gifts, the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation raised a record $165 million from more than 18,000 donors. The total amount for the fiscal year July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 surpassed the previous year by $64.75 million, an increase of 65%. It was almost double the $84.7 million raised just two years ago.
Extraordinary gifts included $50 million for ocean research, a grant that aims to boost the share of residents with college degrees, and an endowed scholarship bequest for underrepresented students from Pacific Island countries.
“Our donors showed tremendous confidence in UH, backed by concrete support that changes lives and strengthens Hawaiʻi’s economy,” said Tim Dolan, UH vice president of advancement and UH Foundation CEO. “Their generous giving shows how much UH means to them as individuals and to the Hawaiʻi community.”
Among the 22,436 gifts received were those made by individuals and families in memory of loved ones, including several faculty members or their spouses.
Gifts also included $50 million from Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, the largest cash gift ever received by UH; a Lumina award establishing Hawaiʻi as a Talent, Innovation, Equity state; and a $3 million anonymous gift to UH Hilo that—in addition to two other endowed scholarships—created the first UH scholarship for LGBTQ+ students.
Alumni and other individuals also committed substantial gifts to UH for scholarships, faculty, research and facilities, including the Residences for Innovative Student Entrepreneurs (RISE) project, which is being built across from the UH Mānoa campus under a public-private partnership between UH Foundation, UH and Hunt Cos.
“These results are a strong endorsement of UH’s strategy and effectiveness as we focus on increasing access and graduation rates, diversifying Hawaiʻi’s economy and preparing a new workforce as our faculty, students and alumni tackle the grand challenges of sustainability, energy, climate resilience, conservation and community health,” said UH President David Lassner. “Each gift to UH moves all of Hawaiʻi to a better future and underscores the value of our great public higher education system to our people, our islands and global understanding.”
The total included nearly $35 million for student scholarships, increased funding for academic support and research and almost $250,000 raised during the university’s second-ever Giving Tuesday last fall.
“The funds raised in the last fiscal year will have a lasting impact on our students and our communities,” said C. Scott Wo, chairman of the UH Foundation Board of Trustees. “We are deeply grateful for our donors’ partnership and philanthropic investments in our university and our state’s future.”
