Naropa University Sets New Fiscal Year Fundraising Record

BOULDER, Colo. (Oct. 12, 2009)—Naropa University has posted the best fundraising year in its 35-year history, over $1.35 million dollars, despite operating during one of the worst economic periods in modern times.

Naropa’s new President, Dr. Stuart C. Lord, who officially took office in July 2009, is encouraged by the 2008-09 numbers and the momentum they represent.

“I believe the generous donations demonstrate that people understand the value of Naropa University and its mission,” said Lord. “The gifts will help us continue to provide quality contemplative education at a high level of service, and they will help our students afford higher education.”

Chris Dwyer, Naropa’s VP for Institutional Advancement, said he believes Naropa was successful in FY 2008-09 for numerous reasons. Naropa increased engagement with its donor base—alumni, parents, and other friends--and the number of donors consequently grew.  The University received substantial support from bequests and from the Frederic P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism. It also received generous support from current and former trustees, local corporations, and various other foundations.

“We believe that Naropa, which helps students develop a purpose-driven approach to life, is especially attractive to donors and grantors who understand that, while the current crisis is an economic one, it is also a crisis of meaning, and an opportunity to change one’s view of the world so as to focus more on our common humanity,” said Dwyer.

Fifty-seven percent of the total raised came in without donor or grantor restrictions. The University will use unrestricted funds to support Naropa’s operating budget, approximately 20% of which is used for student scholarships. Also, unrestricted gifts or grants will be used to fund priorities in Naropa’s long-term strategic plan, titled “Deliver Distinction with Excellence.”

The remaining 43 percent of the total came in for purposes specified by donors and grantors.  For example, Naropa received over $90,000 for construction and operation of the 100 percent self-sustaining William D. Jones Community Greenhouse, a 100% self-sustaining growth lab for Environmental Studies and other students. It also received money for three need-based scholarships: an Environmental Studies scholarship in the name of Board Chairman Marty Janowitz; a Peace Studies scholarship in the name of former Naropa President John Cobb; and a scholarship for first-generation students in the name of former President Tom Coburn and his wife Leigh Berry.

Naropa’s Board of Trustees adopted “Deliver Distinction with Excellence” in September 2008, and the university has already started work on implementing parts of the strategic plan. Additional funding will be necessary for certain components within the plan, such as supporting student scholarships, upgrading facilities, increasing salaries for faculty and staff, investing in training and development, and acquiring new student housing. 

“While we did very well in 2008-09, increased fundraising remains crucial to our efforts to implement the Deliver Distinction with Excellence plan going forward, and we intend to build on our recent success,” said Lord.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.

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