ELMA Matching Grant Appeal Tops $523K
African donors went over the top on their contributions to Africa University under the ELMA Foundation Matching Grant Appeal. Their gifts exceeded the appeal goal of $500,000 by $23,417.
“I would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation first, to the ELMA Foundation for providing the matching grant which helped the university to cultivate the African donor base and inject much needed funds into its operational budget,” said Prof. Munashe Furusa, the vice chancellor.
“We are equally grateful to all who generously invested in the university through the appeal,” said Furusa. “Your support was incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal and enhance our capacity to continue the work of investing in Africa’s future.”
A wide array of stakeholders and friends participated in the effort. African businesses, institutions and non-governmental organizations contributed more than 65% of the total amount raised. Donors also included Africa University alumni, students, faculty, staff, trustees, and United Methodist churches in Africa. A key element of the success of the appeal was the influence of the university’s alumni and their parents, who leveraged their networks to generate gifts.
Donors supported student access and welfare with their giving. The majority of their gifts to the appeal were designated for scholarships and financial aid for students. In addition, there was a sizeable gift earmarked for the construction of additional campus housing for female students.
Launched in March 2013, the ELMA Foundation Matching Grant Appeal was an effort by the Africa University Development Office to help the university to meet immediate funding gaps in its operating budget. Ove a two-year period, the ELMA Foundation matched gifts by qualified African donors dollar for dollar—disbursing funds on a quarterly basis. Thanks to the match, the appeal generated more than $1 million for the university.
Many non-African donors also contributed, making gifts to the appeal in solidarity with the African donors. Although those gifts were not matched by ELMA, they helped the university to address crucial needs.
Your gifts for scholarships equal access to a first-rate education for new and continuing students at Africa University. Gifts can be made online via credit card. Or you can mail your check, made out to ‘Africa University’, to the Africa University Development Office, P O Box 340007, Nashville, TN 37203-0007.