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Through more than four years and one global pandemic, the Forever SIU fundraising campaign has persisted, raising more than $122 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe dedication of SIU\u2019s supporters is astonishing,\u201d said Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation. \u201cThe last year has been difficult for many people, but the Foundation hasn\u2019t sat on the sideline. We\u2019ve furthered our mission, and as things get back to normal, we\u2019re ready to move quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n
The campaign was launched in 2017 with a goal of raising $75 million in three years. Because of the donor generosity, the Foundation sped past that goal seven months early, which prompted the decision to set a new goal of $90 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of 2019, we had already surpassed that new goal, and we knew it was important to keep this momentum,\u201d Kupec said. \u201cThat\u2019s when we set our sights on $200 million by June 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the country recovers from many of the hardships brought on by COVID-19, the Foundation is redoubling its efforts to meet and exceed the $200 million goal. Despite the hardships, SIU alumni and donors raised nearly $3 million in 24 hours on the Day of Giving in March.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Day of Giving is a prime example of what we can accomplish. Our efforts never slowed down \u2013 in many ways they\u2019ve increased \u2013 but it\u2019s understandable for a fundraising campaign to face challenges during a pandemic,\u201d Kupec said. \u201cThis is our opportunity to finish strong.\u201d<\/p>\n
Within Forever SIU, donors can choose from a great number of areas to support SIU. They can choose to support scholarships, research, facilities, programs, and faculty. By going to www.foreversiu.org, donors can pick one or many areas to fund.<\/p>\n
A recent highlight of the Forever SIU campaign, Saluki Athletics announced its $25 million goal for the Salukis Forever campaign. COVID-19 hit athletic programs especially hard, and there is great need for donor support as part of an overall plan to provide sustainability and success for Saluki Athletics.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether a donor chooses a college, a sport, a scholarship, or a fund, every dollar makes an impact,\u201d Kupec said. \u201cWe have just over three years to raise about $78 million. Our great supporters are going to carry us to the end.\u201d<\/p>\n
The campaign will feature a new logo, new promotional materials, and much more. Visit www.foreversiu.org<\/a> for more information or to make a gift.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Through more than four years and one global pandemic, the Forever SIU fundraising campaign has persisted, raising more than $122 million. \u201cThe dedication of SIU\u2019s supporters is astonishing,\u201d said Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation. \u201cThe last year has been difficult for many people, but the Foundation hasn\u2019t sat on the sideline. We\u2019ve furthered … Continue reading Renewed Spirit Behind Forever SIU Campaign<\/span>