Redbirds Rising Resources
Redbirds Rising is the largest fundraising campaign in Illinois State’s history. The goal is to raise $150 million in private funds, supporting scholarship, leadership, and innovation. It will help us meet the needs of our current and future students at a time when higher education is facing unprecedented challenges. Illinois State is strong and is committed to building on that strength, providing students with an outstanding education as they prepare to be engaged global citizens. The campaign began in 2013 and is scheduled to be completed June 2020.
Why have a campaign now?
Philanthropic support is increasingly important with rising costs, limited state resources and emerging technology. Illinois State University is committed to providing students with the academic support, programming, and resources they need to impact the world, but private support is crucial. Only with the partnership of our alumni and friends can the University continue to thrive in the challenging years ahead.
What areas will be supported?
- Student support. Students graduate with an average debt of $22,500. About 17,000 students receive financial support at Illinois State. This campaign will enable the University to increase the number of merit- and need-based scholarships, making college affordable for more students.
- Program support. The University prepares students to be tomorrow’s leaders, graduating globally aware and socially engaged citizens. Additional funds will provide students with the opportunity to get involved in leadership programs, campus diversity initiatives, international education, and service-learning projects.
- Faculty support. Faculty contribute new knowledge through their research, scholarly initiatives, and creative activities often involving students. Increased funding will allow the University to attract and retain teacher-scholars whose classroom teaching, mentoring and research make life-changing impacts on students.
- Facility support. State-of-the-art facilities help the University attract high-achieving students and highly- regarded faculty. They are also key to ensuring students have an advanced skill set upon graduation and faculty can excel in their teaching and research. Additional funding will allow the University to continue modernizing its classrooms, labs, and research and study spaces.
- Unrestricted. For donors who want to make an overall impact on Illinois State, unrestricted gifts allow the University to direct gifts to the areas of greatest need.
What types of gifts are included in the campaign?
- Outright gifts and pledges include donations of cash or other assets such as stock, real estate or personal property.
- Irrevocable deferred gifts allow donors to take a tax deduction the year the gift is made and include charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts.
- Revocable commitments allow donors to pledge a gift through a bequest intention or retirement plan.
- Gifts-in-kind include donations of personal property.
What is an endowment?
An endowment is one of the best ways to create a lasting legacy at Illinois State. Gifts to establish endowments are permanently invested and an annual distribution is made in perpetuity to support the donor’s designated purpose, such as scholarship, programs, or faculty positions.
Who gives to the campaign?
Alumni, friends, faculty, staff, corporations, organizations, and students have contributed, demonstrating their shared commitment to advancing ISU. Gifts of all sizes have an impact on the University and help make Illinois State’s student-focused educational experience possible.
Can I choose which area my gift supports?
Absolutely. Donors have the option to designate how their gift is used and are encouraged to invest in their greatest area of interest, from scholarships to support for programs, equipment or faculty. Donors can select an established fund or work with the ISU Foundation to create a fund.
Does the campaign replace public support?
Money raised through Redbirds Rising is not intended to replace public support. Instead, philanthropic dollars provide a margin of excellence to enable Illinois State to provide scholarships and pursue other initiatives that are not funded by state dollars.