Giving to JMU exceeds $20 million for the first time

Bolstered by an estate gift from Betty Coe Cinquegrana (’64) as well a record year of annual giving, James Madison University received a record $21.4 million during fiscal year 2018 from private donors. The total represents the largest fundraising year in university history, surpassing the previous mark set in 2016 by $2.7 million.

In the four years since the introduction of the university’s strategic plan, the Madison Plan, JMU has averaged $19.1 million, a significant uptick from the $10.1 million average amount received from donors from 2012-14.

“Our donors’ generosity and belief in JMU are the force behind reaching this philanthropic achievement,” said Nick Langridge, vice president for university advancement.

The $3.49 million Cinquegrana gift established an endowed chair for Ethics and Leadership in Business and a Presidential Chair for Teaching Excellence as well as additional funding for College of Education scholarships and entrepreneurship, ethics and leadership scholarships.

Annual giving to the university topped $6.3 million during the fiscal year. A successful third-annual JMU Giving Day, which generated more than 5,000 gifts totaling nearly $650,000 in a 24-hour period, contributed significantly to the increase.

The $21.4 million total also included $4.5 million in major gifts from individuals and $4.4 million from corporations and foundations. Giving to intercollegiate athletics programs also showed a strong increase of more than $1 million over last fiscal year.

For a third consecutive year, more than 20,000 total donors invested in James Madison University, including just under 9,000 alumni of the university.

“Many have told us that they are so excited about the vision for JMU’s future that they are actively looking for ways to optimize their investment. They are making annual gifts, strategic gifts and estate gifts, and sometimes all three,” Langridge said. “When we consider the impact this level of support makes on our students and faculty, the future looks very bright.”