Three-Year History of External Support
2005/06	$1.38 billion
2006/07	$1.45 billion
2007/08	$1.63 billion

In each of the last three years, over $1 billion in external support annually has helped the California State University achieve its mission. While the CSU depends on state funds to support core educational functions, the university increasingly relies on the generosity of private donors and government partners. This support is not a substitute for state support but rather provides a margin of excellence that helps the CSU have enormous impact on California's economic, social and cultural prosperity.

With over $1.6 billion for 2007-2008, the CSU surpassed last year's record amount with a 12 percent increase in external support.

Benchmarking Performance

Three-Year History of Gift Commitments by Group
2005/06	$286 million
2006/07	$326 million
2007/08	$442 million

As a system, the university seeks to raise gift commitments in excess of 10 percent of the state general fund allocation. To reach this achievement, campuses have been divided into three peer groups to benchmark performance related to philanthropic productivity. The eleven Group I campuses are striving to build the capacity to raise gift commitments equivalent to 10 percent of the state general fund allocation. The eight Group II campuses seek to raise between 10 percent and 15 percent of the state general fund allocation. The four Group III campuses endeavor to raise more than 15 percent of the state general fund allocation. The factors for determining peer groups include the number of full-time professional fundraisers, the number of individual donors, and the endowment market value. These factors have been determined as the leading indicators for fundraising success. Campus performance by peer group is outlined on Appendix Chart III.