While philanthropy decreased significantly in the past year according to Giving USA and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Franklin College is experiencing quite the opposite. The college announced its 2022-23 fundraising year was once again one of the most successful in recent college history, continuing to break previous fundraising records.

The fiscal year ended on June 30, 2023. Total giving to the college was $4,145,513, exceeding the goal of $4,000,000. This includes pledges, planned gifts, cash gifts and real estate gifts.

Additionally, annual giving to the college’s Franklin Fund was $766,396, the second highest in college history. This is the fourth consecutive year the college exceeded $700,000 in donations to the fund and only the fourth time in college history. Gifts to the Franklin Fund provide student financial aid and support ongoing student learning opportunities.

The college also achieved new records with its two 24-hour days of giving. In November, Franklin celebrated a #GRIZTuesday campaign, raising over $178,000 for college athletics. Donors exceeded the fundraising goal by 78%.

The momentum continued into spring, with the 11^th annual #GivetoGRIZ campaign raising over $308,000, exceeding the fundraising goal by 37% and making it the most successful 24-hour giving day campaign in college history.

All totals represent generous gifts from trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students, community members, friends, businesses and corporate partners.

Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather expressed his gratitude to the donors. “I am deeply grateful for the continued support and dedication of our donors. Their generosity makes a significant impact on the college, enabling us to continue providing exceptional educational opportunities for our students. This level of support confirms the confidence of our alumni and friends and their commitment to ensure a prosperous future for Franklin College.”

“Franklin College has had another phenomenal year,” said Dana Cummings, vice president for institutional advancement. “Particularly during this period of a downward turn in philanthropy, it is even more remarkable that Franklin College donors continue to support us so generously. Their gifts directly impact our students in many ways, including scholarships, financial aid, expanded academic programs, the implementation of new technologies and so much more.”

“I am so grateful to be a part of the Franklin College family,” said Clayton Shull, a sophomore at the college. “The scholarships I have received make it possible for me to attend college. I will be forever grateful for the support of our alumni and donors. Franklin College has shown me more than just how to achieve my goals; here I have learned how to become the person I am meant to be.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the college should visit franklincollege.edu/give or call (317) 738-8040.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED Aug 8, 2023