Alumni and friends are asked to donate to the Annual Fund Campaign each year through visits, direct mailings and the Annual Phonathon. Gifts are needed to fully fund the annual expenses of the University. Operating expenses were $32,502,674.70 in 2011. These expenses include salaries, operations and maintenance, construction for capital projects and debt service, institutional scholarships, and numerous purchases of goods and services that support our academic programs. The university operates with a balanced budget and relies primarily on four principal funding sources to operate its programs - tuition and fees; auxiliary enterprises; state appropriations and government grants; and annual charitable gifts.

State appropriations have been cut each year and it is necessary to rely more on private funding. The Annual Fund is an unrestricted campaign conducted by the University and these gifts permit flexibility in their use and can be directed to scholarships, programs and projects that have the greatest need.

In spring 2012, 1,966 students were receiving Financial Aid at Athens State through Need Based Scholarships and Grants, Federal Loans and other scholarships and grants. The necessity is there - we need your help to get our students from where they are to where then need to be.

For information about the Annual Fund, please contact the University Advancement Office at (256)233-8215 or: