Cash donations to the University of Missouri reach a record for fiscal year 2017

The University of Missouri was bragging on Thursday: Cash gifts during fiscal year 2017 set a record.

The university raised more than $121 million in cash, the highest-ever amount.

Overall, including pledges, MU raised nearly $152 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30. That annual total, including cash and pledges, is the fourth-highest in the university’s history and brings the Mizzou: Our Time to Lead campaign up to $905 million — more than two-thirds of the way to its $1.3 billion goal.

The campaign was launched nearly two years ago.

“Every gift to MU contributes to success in the classroom, in the research laboratory or on the playing field. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to our supporters,” said Alexander Cartwright, MU chancellor-designate.

During the year, more than 40,000 donors made nearly 75,000 donations, pledges or estate gifts to the Columbia campus. Gifts ranged from donations of less than a dollar to 21 that were more than $1 million each.

University officials said this is the fourth consecutive year where donors have made 20 or more million-dollar gifts to MU.

Dollars raised in the campaign, launched in October 2015, will go primarily to three areas: endowment, signature centers and institutes, and new construction and renovations.

This story was originally published July 13, 2017 at 3:02 PM with the headline "Cash donations to the University of Missouri reach a record for fiscal year 2017."