California Baptist University Sees Over $100 Million in Donations Over Four Years

Significant Rise in Donations at California Baptist University

Over the last four years, California Baptist University (CBU) has experienced a remarkable surge in donations, exceeding the impressive $102 million mark. This significant growth serves to enhance various aspects of the university, including scholarships, academic programs, and crucial campus projects, ultimately benefiting students and the broader Lancer community.

In the fiscal year concluding in June 2024, CBU recorded nearly $19.5 million in gifts and pledges. Notably, this is over double the amount gathered just three years prior. Such financial support has been distributed across various sectors of the institution, including schools, colleges, programs, and athletics.

Paul Eldridge, the vice president for University Advancement, expressed the profound impact of these gifts, emphasizing that their positive influence will resonate for generations. He highlighted the endless possibilities these donations create for students aiming to achieve their educational aspirations and live purposefully.

Transformational Contributions

Among the distinguished gifts received during this period, one stands out as the largest in the university’s history. Real estate developer Dale E. Fowler and his wife, Sarah Ann, made a remarkable commitment of $28.5 million, leading to the naming of the 5,050-seat Fowler Events Center in their honor. This landmark donation fuels the ambition of CBU's mission to foster education and community development.

The closure of CBU's five-year $40 Million Endowment Challenge also marked a significant achievement, exceeding initial expectations by concluding in just three-and-a-half years. A dedicated donor, complemented by the university's institutional matching funds, allowed for substantial endowment gifts, essentially quadrupling the value of donations.

Various schools and programs within CBU, such as the School of Christian Ministries, the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering, and the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Performing Arts, have benefited from these generous commitments. The community's unwavering support has inspired countless initiatives at CBU, enabling students to reach new heights.

Key Areas of Impact

Three primary avenues of giving have made a notable difference: scholarships, the CBU Mobile Health Clinic, and the endowment funds.

Scholarships

Donations directed toward scholarships have seen significant growth. Participants can choose to contribute either to the general scholarship fund or specify the program that should receive the support. In FY 2024, $3.8 million in scholarships were awarded to students, which is more than four times the amount distributed in 2020. This year alone, the university has allocated over $3.9 million, illustrating the growing commitment to student aid.

CBU Mobile Health Clinic

In 2023, the College of Nursing introduced a full-service mobile health clinic, which was made possible through generous gifts and grants. This initiative not only provides essential health care and educational services to underserved communities but also offers clinical practice opportunities for nursing students at CBU.

Endowment

Endowment contributions are critical for long-term financial sustainability, ensuring the university's health and progression. CBU's endowment has nearly doubled from $82.8 million in 2020 to an impressive $162.7 million by November 2024. This remarkable increase underscores the profound impact of dedicated donations and matching fund initiatives.

Conclusion

The substantial increase in donations at California Baptist University showcases the commitment of its community to invest in the future of students. Every contribution, regardless of size, propels CBU forward, allowing the institution to continue providing a rich blend of academic, spiritual, and personal development experiences. For more information on supporting CBU, please visit calbaptist.edu/give.