How can the university be successful at raising private dollars, but still be faced with significant budget reductions and the negative consequences of those cuts?
The Campaign for Tennessee has generated a strong source of private funds for UT Knoxville from many committed alumni, friends and corporate partners. The statewide effort has raised more than 75 percent of its $1 billion goal, which staff and volunteers hope to achieve by 2011. Ninety-five percent of all private funds are designated by the donor for specific programs and initiatives. Additionally, nearly 60 percent of the campaign funds are pledges that will be received over the next five years, and nearly 40 percent of the campaign funds are deferred, meaning through planned giving options. Therefore, private funds cannot be used to offset budget reductions or to help cover rising operational costs. UT development staff members who work who closely with donors focus on matching university priorities with specific donors’ interests. The university’s main priorities relate to long-term goals and strategies that relate to specific programs, retention and recruitment of outstanding facul
