VCU Libraries’ Development Office closed the fiscal year with $880,372 raised in the year, its best fundraising total since 2017.

Highlights this year include:

• Planned gifts from five donors totaling $635,604;
• Multi-year pledges of $50,000 support the Friends of VCU Libraries Scholarship Fund and to support the VCU Libraries Social Justice Lecture;
• Additional gifts were made to build the Reflection Room, which will open in fall 2023;
• Overall donor count was the highest since 2017.

In addition, seed grants were made to support the planning and construction of a Book Arts Lab in conjunction with the long anticipated expansion of Special Collections and Archives.

“VCU Libraries finished the year strong thanks to multiple planned gifts that were received in the spring. As a result of these gifts and gifts from other friends, alumni and faculty, VCU Libraries has a brighter future, in the short term and the long term. Numerous projects are moving forward thanks in large part to the generosity of our donors. These projects will improve the lives of our students, faculty and the VCU community and for that I am grateful,” said Kelly Gotschalk, director of development and major gifts

Libraries had a strong performance on May 3’s Giving Day with matching gifts made by current and past board members of the Friends of VCU Libraries. The Giving Day total included matching funds from the Hansan Family Foundation to support the Social Welfare History Project Challenge. In June, the rebranded Friends of VCU Libraries Rising Scholars Book and Author Luncheon returned and raised funds for scholarships. Alumnus author David Baldacci was the guest speaker.

“We are so grateful to the support of the community,” said Dean of Libraries and University Librarian Irene Herold. “They make a difference so we can make a difference.”