With more than 10,600 alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students supporting the University, York has seen its greatest year of fundraising to date.
The 2006-2007 fiscal year proved to be an outstanding period of fundraising across the University, with the number of York donors increasing by more than 70 per cent since 2002. Thanks to the 
support of the York community, overall revenue and multi-year pledge commitments have more than doubled over the past five years, with revenue soaring above $26 million and pledges reaching close to $29 million.
Right: Timothy Price, Chair of the York University Foundation’s Board of Directors; singer Matt Dusk (BFA ’02); and Lorna R. Marsden, York president & vice-chancellor, at York to the Power of 50 launch
"The increase in the number of donors illustrates the commitment of our alumni and the broader community to the strength of York and the great teaching and research accomplished here," says Tim Price, Chair of the York University Foundation Board of Directors and a co-chair of the York to the Power of 50 fundraising campaign. "We thank all of York’s many generous donors for making our success this past year possible."
Last year also marked the launch of York to the Power of 50, the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history, tied to the University’s 50th anniversary. The campaign launched at a spectacular event at BMW Toronto this past October with close to 30 gifts of $1 million or more. The York University Foundation is now more than halfway toward its $200-million campaign goal, with $125 million raised to date.
"It has been a phenomenal year," says Lorna R. Marsden, president & vice-chancellor of York University. "This tremendous support is giving York the power to create an infrastructure for learning, research and excellence; to transform students’ lives with scholarships and awards; to innovate with pioneering methods for learning and research; and to empower our faculty with new Chairs and professorships."
Left: York’s cheerleading squad and mascots at York to the Power of 50 campaign launch
York donors gave $5.4 million toward student financial support this year through the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) program, which matches private donations dollar-for-dollar. This creates new endowments of almost $11 million in student support once matching funds are added. This achievement exceeded the University’s OTSS target by over $1 million, and eligible donations in excess of the goal will be carried over and matched in the next fiscal year.
"This outpouring of generosity and commitment to the University is simply outstanding," says Paul Marcus, president & CEO of the York University Foundation. "The increased support from donors and volunteers is providing incredible opportunities for our students and faculty to achieve remarkable success."
Submitted by Earleen Dover, communications officer, York University Foundation