UMass endowment rises to record $757 million

The University of Massachusetts said Wednesday that its endowment reached a record $757 million, bolstered by a 12 percent increase in private fund-raising across its five-campus system.

Public universities across the state have seen significant gains in private donations. President Robert L. Caret said fund-raising is a top priority for the system, and central to its long-term stability and success.

“I believe we are witnessing a transformational moment, as constituencies across the Commonwealth and across the board are recognizing the university’s true value and importance,” he said in a statement, citing increases in state funding and a decade-long surge in enrollment.

The $116 million UMass raised in gifts and pledges from 79,107 individuals during fiscal year 2014 exceeded its goal of $105 million, and helped the endowment grow by about $93 million from last year.

There was a record 21,360 first-time donors, the university said, and gifts included a $10 million donation from a repeat benefactor to create an entrepreneurship center at the flagship campus in Amherst, which boasted the highest fund-raising total among campuses, at $45.7 million.

UMass Medical School in Worcester raised $32.1 million; UMass Lowell raised $20.5 million; UMass Boston raised $13.6 million and UMass Dartmouth raise $4.5 million.