Ohio State rakes in more than $532M, setting new fundraising record

Ohio State University received more than $532 million in donations in fiscal year 2017.

Ohio State University received more than $532 million in donations in fiscal year 2017.

Donors helped set a new fundraising record in fiscal year 2017 at Ohio State University, with more than 267,000 people giving over $532 million, including $403 million in cash, to the university.

The new record includes $105 million from more than 78,000 alumni and $5 million from current students and parents, according to Ohio State.

RELATED: Wealthy alumni, megadonors pour money into OSU

Around $58 million is set to go toward student financial aid which was increased as part of president Michael Drake’s 2020 vision to improve access and affordability.

“Buckeye Nation continues to give back in new and greater ways, exemplifying a generosity of spirit unmatched anywhere in the world,” Drake said. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our broad alumni family and our friends as we lay the critical groundwork for an even more impactful future.”

RELATED: Ohio State’s influence looms large, even in southwest Ohio

The record-breaking fundraising efforts at OSU included the conclusion of the schools “But for Ohio State” campaign, which generated over $3 billion in donations in seven years, according to the university.

The new fundraising record is around 17 percent higher from last year’s $457 million, which also set a record at the time, according to the university.

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