Fiscal year 2025 among best for SOU philanthropy

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University continued its historic fundraising run in fiscal year 2025, raising $14.17 million.

The philanthropic total for FY25 is the second-highest annual total ever raised for the university; in fiscal year 2023, the university raised more than $19 million, including $10 million from Lithia Motors and Green Cars.

“We’re generating momentum for the future of the university, and we are seeing that play out each year,” said Janet Fratella, SOU’s Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the SOU Foundation.

Strong engagement with SOU alumni and solid campus partnerships were two of the keys to success for the fiscal year that ended June 30. The year’s gifts increased support for SOU’s academic core, including projects for faculty, student affairs and athletics. More than $4 million is earmarked specifically for scholarships.

Projects that will be funded by recent commitments include a new kitchen at The Farm at SOU, scholarships and new mentors for students in the University Coaching & Academic Mentoring (UCAM) program, a new fleet of mountain bikes for the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program, a new international exchange program with a university in the African country of Ghana, a new piano lab and vocal isolation sound booth, marimba music performances, support for students in STEM summer research programs, and new faculty fellowships in SOU’s Education, Music and STEM programs.

SOU received gifts from more than 4,000 donors during FY25 – the first time that milestone has been reached.

“Our long-term goal is to ensure that all our donors have an exceptional experience and that they continue their support,” Fratella said. “Our SOU donors are pivotal to the success of the university, as philanthropy creates a level of excellence that state dollars alone cannot provide.”

Fratella also said that many donors are supportive of the university’s current efforts to “right-size” and rebuild the institution to be financially stronger and more capable of withstanding periodic budget issues.

“Our donors are standing by us,” she said. “Our goal is to reshape SOU to be a more resilient university.”

Fratella also noted that the SOU Foundation Board of Trustees – the separate, university-affiliated foundation – have been in lock-step in helping SOU achieve its goals.

“I commend the foundation trustees, who are personally giving of their time, talent and treasure to ensure that the university is well positioned for the future,” she said.

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