In a year of economic uncertainty and a steep state budget cut, the University saw its annual gifts go virtually unscathed.

During the 2010 fiscal year, which spans from July 1, 2009 to June 30, UNC received $268.1 million in gifts — a 1 percent decline from last year’s total.

The University raised a total of $292 million in commitments, which include gifts and pledges. That total marked a slight increase from the $290.4 million raised last year.

Scott Ragland, director of development communications, said the gifts will not directly recoup some of the losses brought on by recent budget cuts.

“Most gifts are restricted in their use at the request of donors, so they typically aren’t used to offset state budget cuts directly,” Ragland said.

“Still, donors help preserve our academic mission by supporting such areas as student scholarships, faculty research, medical clinics and building projects. They also support our public service efforts.”

More than 73,500 donors contributed to this year’s gift total. Lindsey Rava, director of student giving programs, said students contributed more than $71,400.

Ragland said these funds provide resources that allow UNC to continue to compete with other institutions of higher education.

“These are critical dollars to help us bring the best faculty here, to bring top students here and to keep Carolina accessible,” Ragland said, adding that development officers, administrators and professors play a pivotal role in determining what types of funding are needed and soliciting donors.

Among larger gifts this year were a $1.3 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support undergraduate research and $5 million from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust to support the recruitment of young faculty.

The gift specifically targets professors who would join the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Nursing and the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

UNC also received a $4 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support FirstSchool, an integrated approach to caring for and educating children ages 3 to 8.

Commitments also helped UNC create 17 endowed professorships, 98 undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.