UNA breaks annual fundraising record with $22M haul

The University of North Alabama’s fiscal year 2022 fundraising haul was the highest-ever recorded in the institution’s 192-year history.

UNA secured a record-shattering $22.8 million for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, according to university officials. The successful fundraising year included growth in the university’s donor base for the second consecutive year.

Bolstering the fundraising haul was the UNA College of Business and Technology’s largest-ever contribution, which totaled $2.5 million.

UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts expressed gratitude to the institution’s donor base for its contributions, which he asserted was instrumental to the school’s successes.

“The university has made great strides in a number of remarkable areas – from record breaking enrollment to our full NCAA Division I status in Lion Athletics – and this hallmark of success is just as significant and meaningful,” said Kitts. “Our donors are special in the life of the institution, and they are partners in ensuring success now as well as long into the future.”

This marks the second consecutive year that an increased number of unique donors has given a gift to support the university.

The $22.8 million haul UNA raised represents a significant increase from the previous record, which was $12.6 million in fiscal year 2018.

UNA also saw the largest single donation received last fiscal year in a $6.5 million contribution. Additionally, March saw more than 1,000 donors contribute a gift of $10 or more to the university in support of its 1830 Giving Day Initiative.

Kevin Haslam, vice president of advancement and executive director of the UNA Foundation, conveyed the university’s appreciation to its donors’ for their philanthropic efforts.

“We truly believe that every person matters, and that they key to success in any endeavor is the relationships we have with them,” said Haslam. “This truly remarkable year is simply the natural outcome of developing meaningful relationships and empowering people to do what is deeply meaningful to them. This year has been absolutely phenomenal, and there truly are not words to express the depth of our gratitude.

“We developed a mantra that says, ‘Your passion. Your philanthropy. Every gift. Every giver. Matters.’ This historic year happened because of remarkable men and women who believe in this great University, and they choose to make a difference with their philanthropy.”

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL