Five female CWRU students hold signs that say "thank you"

University supporters commit more than $200 million in 2017-2018

Case Western Reserve’s contributors outdid themselves in the final full year of the Forward Thinking capital campaign, contributing a record-breaking $208 million in gifts and pledges—and setting more than a dozen more all-time highs in individual categories.

“The generosity of our alumni and friends, as well as the significant support of foundations and other organizations, is astounding, humbling, and inspiring,” President Barbara R. Snyder said. “Our gratitude knows no bounds, nor does our dedication to realizing the potential that these donations make possible.”

The total for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, represents the first time in university history that annual attainment broke the $200 million mark—more than double the amount raised in the 2008 fiscal year and more than triple the figure for FY 2007.

In addition, this year’s tally is $27 million—or 15 percent—higher than in the 2017 fiscal year, which at the time itself stood as an all-time best.

Other fundraising records broken in 2018 include:

  • Schools:
    • Case School of Engineering ($51.4 million);
    • College of Arts and Sciences ($37.7 million);
    • Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing ($8.9 million);
    • School of Medicine ($72.9 million)
  • Scholarships: $30.5 million
  • Annual Fund: $11.6 million
  • From Alumni: $82.3 million

Launched publicly in 2011 with a $1 billion goal, the Forward Thinking campaign has broken all-time annual giving records for eight consecutive years. In 2014, campaign giving passed the $1 billion threshold, 2.5 years ahead of schedule. University leaders elected to increase the goal to $1.5 billion, and extend the campaign’s end date by two years, to Dec. 31, 2018.

Case Western Reserve’s supporters then took the campaign past its 50 percent higher goal in the summer of 2017. As of Aug. 31, the campaign’s total was just shy of $1.72 billion.