Why the Creating Futures Campaign?
Creating Futures, the fourth and most ambitious campaign in University of Colorado history, was announced on April 25, 2011—at which point private support contributed since the campaign began July 1, 2006 already exceeded $900 million toward its $1.5 billion goal. CU has completed three fundraising campaigns: Second Century Campaign (1974-79, $14 million), Frontier 2000 (1987-1993, $271 million), and Beyond Boundaries (1996-2003, $1 billion).
A comprehensive campaign helps CU crystallize its strategic priorities and make a public case for the importance of its work. Like any major university, CU faces challenges. State support has declined substantially: fewer than 30 years ago, State of Colorado funding represented nearly 30 percent of CU’s budget; it now represents less than 6 percent.
We take great pride in our strong budgetary stewardship, with administrative expenses 25 percent below those of our peers. But while CU has continued to enhance education and services during this recent downturn—while realizing cost savings, streamlining bureaucracy, and improving business practices—we are not immune to economic forces prevailing beyond our campuses.
Increasingly, the problems that confront our society require the collaboration, perspective, and intellectual resources that only a university such as CU can provide. Ideas emanating from CU—in areas ranging from energy to health care to public affairs—will be integral to overcoming some of the greatest challenges of our time. And we must increase access to higher education for families of all economic strata. College is a key to a better life, and a well-educated population is the key to continued progress.
With this campaign, CU now has an outstanding opportunity to take significant steps forward. With accomplished faculty and high-achieving students, we now have a rare capability to execute our visions, and realize our full potential for leadership. We’re forging valuable connections with businesses, nonprofits, and governments. Our work increasingly attracts individual and institutional funders, including federal grantmakers. And the state’s economy and population continue to expand in quantity and possibility, as it attracts highly educated individuals who consider Colorado an ideal place to achieve their aspirations.
Donors provide a crucial margin of excellence for CU. With your support, we’ll be better equipped to turn ideas into action.
