Over the past year, York received contributions in support of student aid, capital projects, academic programs and research initiatives at all levels from close to 10,000 alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students – an increase of over 60 per cent in four years.

"These remarkable increases in both donors and revenue are very promising,” says Tim Price, Chair of the York University Foundation’s Board of Directors. “As demands for new programs, initiatives and facilities rise, philanthropic support is becoming increasingly important."

Through the Ontario Trust for Student support (OTSS) program (introduced in November, 2005), which matches private contributions dollar-for-dollar, supporters helped York surpass this year’s fundraising goal of $4 million in private, endowed student aid. With matching funds included, $8 million will now benefit York students thanks to donors encouraged by this government initiative. 

York also celebrated the opening of The Accolade Project, the University’s new leading-edge fine arts teaching, exhibition and performance complex. Donor support was tremendous and the project’s fundraising goal was doubled to $10 million, after reaching the $5-million initial target sooner than expected.

"It's very impressive to receive assistance from so many external contributors," says York University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Lorna R. Marsden. “The support of our donors to such a breadth of areas at York is helping to ensure an outstanding future for our students.”

The York University Foundation is dedicated to supporting York University’s academic and research mission. In 2002, the Foundation was established as an innovative model for educational fundraising in Canada.

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For more information, please contact:

Paul Marcus

President and CEO of the York University Foundation

416-650-8210

marcusp@yorkfoundation.yorku.ca