There are 29 institutions nationwide with a campaign goal of at least $1 billion, but only 12 are public institutions, said John Lippincott, vice president for communications at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
Michigan State University's capital campaign has raised about $655 million since July 1999 -- more than half of its $1.2 billion goal. The university hopes to reach its goal by July 2007.
"We're doing very well thus far," said Marti Heil, assistant vice president for university development at MSU. "Our donors are loyal, providing momentum and outstanding gifts to our campaign."
She said volunteers and a dedicated fund-raising staff are imperative to the campaign. She also said university leaders made an effort to educate donors and faculty about the campaign. "I think a successful campaign calls for (an) internally committed faculty, provost and other staff. Also, it should be clear on what a campaign can and will do."
Duke University's campaign, which started in 1996, will try to raise $2 billion by the end of 2003.
Peter Vaughn, director of development communications and donor relations at Duke, said administrators originally sought to raise $1.5 billion.
When the university came close to that goal at the beginning of 2000, it decided to raise the goal to $2 billion.
"We should reach our goal before the end of the campaign," Vaughn said. "The campaign ends at the end of 2003, but we should complete our goal at the beginning of 2003."
But he said Duke will continue raising money until the last day of the campaign.
