The New College Foundation recently marked its most successful year of fundraising in the organization’s history—with $9.1 million in gifts and commitments for New College of Florida.
An outpouring of support during the 2020-2021 fiscal year reflected a trend of significant philanthropic contributions acknowledging New College’s stature as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts public colleges.
“New College’s generous donors made this record-breaking year a reality—and we’re deeply grateful to all of them,” said MaryAnne Young, the executive director of the Foundation. “Our ardent supporters in the local community really made a huge impact for our students. They recognize New College’s importance in this community and beyond. Their unstinting response makes it possible for us to grow, serve more students, and create productive and inspired environments for learning.”
This record-breaking level of support reflects an ongoing trend of significant philanthropic contributions to New College throughout the past five years. According to Young, fundraising has become a critical financial component at institutions of higher education across the nation.
And, although New College is a public institution that receives generous funding from the state of Florida, a major portion of the funds this past year came from individual donors and foundations in the Sarasota-Manatee community.
“Raising funds for student scholarships and student success remains a top priority at the New College Foundation. Our scholarship program closes the gap, and it makes our commitment to excellence possible,” Young said. “The gifts we receive today pave the way for our students’ future life and career success.”
The Foundation also received significant contributions from alumni, faculty, parents and area foundations.
“We’re especially grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation,” Young said. “They continue to unflinchingly support our scholarship and internship programs—especially those created for underserved students here in Sarasota and Manatee.”
Young noted that considerable funds were raised during the “O’Shea Formula” in May. This virtual event celebrated the accomplishments of New College’s outgoing president, Donal O’Shea, prior to his retirement in June. The Foundation established the Donal B. O’Shea Scholarship Endowment in honor of O’Shea’s legacy. The organization also launched a campaign to raise funds to refurbish the three student residence halls designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei.
What is the secret sauce to this fundraising track record?
“We’re so fortunate to have a hardworking, hands-on board of directors,” Young said. “They’re laser-focused on supporting New College’s students—and they’re determined to set them on the path to achievement, both academically and long after they graduate. Our board members passionately believe in New College’s mission and want to see it thrive far into the future.”
Young also shouted out praise to the Foundation’s hardworking staff.
“They tirelessly strive for excellence in everything they do,” Young said. “They make an amazing difference every day.”
New College has seen profound changes throughout the six decades since it was founded in 1960, Young said.
“Despite these transformations, New College has never wavered from its core mission. We prepare intellectually curious students for lives of great achievement,” Young said. “New College thrives today as the state of Florida’s honors college and one of the finest, affordable liberal arts colleges in the United States. The Foundation exists to raise funds to support students and open the doors to a world-class college education for young people who might otherwise have been shut out.”
According to Young, support is vital.
“For the last 60 years, New College has set the standard for excellence in a liberal arts education in this country,” Young said. “I’m confident that we’ll continue to do so for another 60 years. We have our incredibly generous supporters to thank for it.”
For more information on the New College Foundation, call 941-487-4800 or visit ncf.edu/alumnaei-and-friends/giving/the-foundation.
Su Byron is the communications specialist for the New College Foundation.