ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Donors gave over $6.5 million to Winthrop University in 2019, marking the second-highest amount ever raised in fundraising history.
The total includes contributions made between January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, with a significant portion designated to support the Winthrop Endowment. The unrestricted Winthrop Endowment was established in 2019 to provide necessary investment capital and funding to move forward on future initiatives and priorities.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of our donors, alumni and friends who continue to show us their commitment to Winthrop and its extraordinary future,” said President Dan Mahony. “Together, they provide much-needed support to our campus community, empower talented students, faculty and staff, and help advance the university toward its goal of financial stability and sustainability,” Mahony added. “I would also like to thank everyone at Winthrop University and the Winthrop University Foundation for their efforts during the past year, which were critical in achieving this level of success.”
Fundraising is among the five goals and initiatives outlined in the Winthrop Plan, which serves as a strategic blueprint through 2025. Since the plan’s inception in 2016, Winthrop has observed over 40 percent growth in the Winthrop Foundation’s endowment program surpassing $60 million in endowed assets. The Winthrop Foundation’s endowment is on pace to well exceed its 2025 goal of $80 million and to potentially reach the stretch target of $100 million.
Winthrop’s philanthropic success comes after the launch of several new initiatives in the last two years, including the inaugural Giving Day, the $100K Winthrop Fund Challenge and leadership annual gifts from the Winthrop Leadership Society, which recognizes donors who make annual gifts of $1,000 or more to Winthrop over a five-year period. Winthrop Leadership Society donors are given the flexibility to direct their dollars to their favorite Winthrop programs including the Winthrop Fund.
Other fundraising highlights:
· Sixteen new individuals and families were welcomed into the D.B. Johnson Society, the university's planned giving society. Donors support the university’s vision through wills, trusts, annuities, life insurance or other planned gifts.
· The Winthrop Fund received $400,777 in unrestricted cash gifts, its second consecutive year of exceeding budget expectations. The Winthrop Fund provides critical revenue to support student scholarships, the Winthrop Alumni Association and other university priorities on an annual basis; the funds can be used immediately where they are most needed.
For more information about the Winthrop Endowment, giving societies, or giving opportunities, please contact Evan Bohnen, vice president for University Advancement, at 803/323-2275.
