Donors Offer Campus Some Relief in Midst of Cutbacks

In the midst of the economic crisis, UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies received $100,000 last month from a private donor who hoped to support student research during difficult economic times.

Bill Brandt, a member of the institute's National Advisory Council, had promised in 2005 to donate $250,000 in $50,000 installments over five years.

Last month, in a ceremony at the Institute of Governmental Studies, he presented the institute with $100,000, completing the remainder of his commitment early, said Jack Citrin, the director of the institute.

"He completed his pledge because he senses accurately that most units on the campus are in a situation of financial stress," Citrin said.

The money from Brandt's donation will continue to fund the Mike Synar Research Fellowship for graduates and the Nelson W. Polsby Grants for Public Affairs Research for undergraduates. Citrin said that the money will also fund the institute's seminars and conferences that deal with issues in American politics.

"Anything that will further political education and civic discussion to get people involved is something I willingly do and support," Brandt said.

Brandt is also involved with the institute as a speaker on its panels.

Though the institute uses many funds from private donors, the state still provides the major source of its funding, Citrin said. While funds from donors often support the institute's programs, money from the state pays staff members' salaries.

Both the institute and the campus as a whole are looking to private donors as state funding is cut back.

According to campus statistics, UC Berkeley received $409 million from 63,000 private donors last fiscal year. Nearly 28 percent of this total came from individuals such as Brandt.

Despite economic difficulties, the campus raised more than it ever had previously from private donations last fiscal year, said campus spokesperson Jose Rodriguez. The number of donors and donations is also higher than ever before.

While fundraising campaigns are making progress, Rodriguez said they cannot compensate for other reductions, including $15 million in mid-year cuts to UC Berkeley from the recently passed state budget.

"Private support provides a crucial hedge in Berkeley's competitiveness," Rodriguez said. "It's not meant to replace any loss of state funds."

Tags: INSTITUTE FOR GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES