WMU Foundation
Focus on the Fundamentals
Annual Report 2008-09
From the Executive Director
WMU Foundation Executive Director
Bud Bender
As a steward of the charitable gifts made in support of Western Michigan University, it is my honor to report to you the activities of the WMU Foundation and the WMU Development Office for the 2008-09 fiscal year. Despite the economy, it was a successful year for both. In total, more than $38.2 million in cash, in-kind, pledge and estate commitments were made to the WMU Foundation. This represents a 24 percent increase over the previous fiscal year and marks the second-highest one-year total in the Foundation’s history.
I am most pleased to note that more than $25.5 million in new documented pledge and deferred gift commitments were recorded in 2008-09, a new high mark for the WMU Foundation in that category. These commitments more than offset a reduction in cash and in-kind gifts from the previous year, an expected development given the state of our economic times.
It is precisely the condition of our nation’s and state’s financial outlook that makes the support of our University all the more remarkable. During a time when many in the philanthropic community have been experiencing retrenchment, the WMU Foundation actually saw an increase in the number of donors making gifts with 22,353 total donors, an increase of 538 donors compared to 2007-08.
Once again, I’m pleased to indicate that the funds used to maintain our development operation remain an “excellent buy.” In 2008-09, we raised nine dollars for every one dollar invested.
On behalf of the WMU Foundation and the Development Office, I wish to offer my personal thanks to all of you who continue to generously support our University. It is a great pleasure to be of service to you as we work to sustain our collaborative goal of supporting excellence at Western Michigan University.
Best wishes,
Bud Bender
Executive Director
WMU Foundation