The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) announced the names of more than 100 U.S. educational institutions being recognized with 2020 Educational Fundraising Awards, with the University of Mount Union among thirty-two institutions being highlighted for the first time. 

The Purple Raiders are being recognized for demonstrated significant program growth across three years of data. 

To select recipients, two committees of experienced fundraisers (one for independent schools and one for colleges and universities) review hundreds of pages of data from the CASE AMAtlas VSE Survey. The committees consider several factors and variables, including: 

• Patterns of growth in total support  
• Evaluation of what contributed to the total support figure 
• Overall breadth of fundraising 
• Patterns of growth in gifts from sources including alumni, other individuals, corporations, and foundations  
• Impact of the 12 largest gifts on total support 
• Giving to areas such as current operations, endowment, and property/buildings 
• Amount raised per student 
• Amount raised relative to expenditures 
• Alumni participation  

Mount Union’s Office of University Advancement is currently fundraising for the Inspiring Minds, Transforming Lives campaign. In conjunction with the Compass 2021 strategic plan, the five-year, $50 million comprehensive campaign prioritizes access to education with a goal of $25 million earmarked for student scholarships. Currently, the campaign stands at $37.2 million raised, slightly ahead of the goal to reach $35 million by June 30, 2020.

“Whilst today we celebrate the schools, colleges and universities in the United States that embody the best in educational fundraising, we want to acknowledge the people who make such achievements possible,” said Sue Cunningham, CASE President and CEO. “Successful fundraising happens when everyone participates, from the staff and faculty to the institution’s leadership. This inspiring philanthropic engagement is guided by dedicated and professional development staff and supported by generous volunteers. Collectively, we are advancing education—key to addressing the many serious challenges our world faces today.”  

See the full list of winners on the CASE website.