September 4, 2000

Would you like to know how private philanthropy can benefit your program?

The answer awaits you on Sept. 21, when the University's fund-raising arm, The University of Connecticut Foundation Inc., hosts an open house in its new facility on the Storrs campus. The event, which begins at 10 a.m., will feature tours and information sessions throughout the day.

"Most people in Connecticut don't think about private philanthropy when it comes to public institutions," says David Barton, chair of the Foundation's board of directors.

"The fact is that private philanthropy can make an impact on a state university," says Barton, a retired corporate executive who graduated from UConn in 1961. "Private philanthropy can make a difference in excellence."

Hollie Stephens, acting director of donor relations, says the goal of the open house is to engage the full University community - faculty, staff and students - in a greater awareness of the Foundation's role as UConn's primary fund-raiser.

"Our goal is to tell what we do, how we do it and further our relationship with the University," she said.

To that end, a series of information sessions will provide faculty and staff with insight into how private donations can work for them and their programs.

As part of the building's tour, Foundation staff will describe their fund-raising activities and how these are helping the University. Topics to be covered in information sessions include: How to Maximize Your Research Funding Potential; $37 Million Raised in FY '00: What's The Impact and How Can We Help You In The Future; and Estate Planning.

Additionally, two 30-minute hands-on seminars designed to help administrative assistants who work with the Foundation are scheduled at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Also scheduled is a session geared primarily toward students, titled Careers in Advancement.

The Foundation has an impressive track record for record-breaking results.

Philanthropy in support of the University set its fifth straight record in FY 2000 with $37 million in gifts. Of that amount, $20 million went to support current UConn operating needs and $17 million went to enhance endowment funds at the Foundation.

According to Foundation officials, financial support increased across the entire University system.

As of June 30, the Foundation's total assets were $260 million. Of that figure, about $220 million is related to endowments.

"Endowment assets - private donations and the market appreciation from the gifts - are the largest component of Foundation assets," says Edward T. Allenby, president of the Foundation and vice president for institutional advancement. "The endowment provides a perpetual income source for UConn's faculty, programs and students."

The new headquarters, an attractive three-story brick and glass building, is located opposite the North Parking Garage and next to Alumni House.

Light refreshments will be served throughout the day-long open house.

To register in advance for an information session or for more information on the Open House, contact University Events at (860) 486-1001. Also sign-ups will be accepted the day of the open house.

Claudia Chamberlain