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Boise State University Foundation: Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

Since its public launch in October 2023, Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University has been a beacon of progress by fueling investments in endowed scholarships, faculty positions and Bronco athletics. Since the start of the campaign, donors have contributed a humbling $392.4 million toward our $500 million goal. 

In fiscal year 2024, donors set a third consecutive philanthropic record, with support totaling an impressive $61.3 million from 28,146 donors. This level of giving can sometimes feel abstract, yet its impact is tangible. Your gifts have been instrumental in funding crucial research projects, enhancing campus facilities, supporting programs and bolstering scholarships. 


This achievement is also a testament to the dedicated leadership of the Boise State University Foundation’s Board of Directors. This exceptional team of volunteers is committed to managing your investments with the utmost fiscal responsibility, ensuring both growth and sustainability for the benefit of the institution, its students and the broader community. 

This last year brought internal change to the Foundation, too. As of July 1, 2024, the Division of University Advancement has officially merged with the Boise State University Foundation. The Foundation’s primary goal is to strengthen the university. With this merger, we are positioned to advance our mission of building a better Boise State by increasing efficiency, enhancing the experiences of our donors and alumni, and collaborating with you to support the university’s students, faculty and programs. 

Because of you, a Boise State education is more accessible, research is advancing and our university’s impact is expanding. We at the Foundation continue to be full of gratitude at the level of generosity shown by our alumni, friends, and broader community. Onward!

Go Broncos!

  • Argia Beristain

    Argia Beristain

    Interim Chief Executive Officer

    Boise State University Foundation
  • Jim Martin

    Jim Martin

    Executive Chair

    Boise State University Foundation Board of Directors

To create the best culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement of any public university in the country.

Our Vision

High-Impact Philanthropy

Your gifts to the three campaign pillars propel our growth and success. Our community has joined us in supporting our students, faculty and athletics, positioning us for greater impact as we enroll and graduate more Broncos, conduct research and scholarship, and rack up victories on the field of competition. 

In 2024, the Boise State Foundation expanded to include the university’s Advancement team and the Boise State Alumni Association. This expansion of activities and mission reflects our commitment to our donors and stakeholders and our relentless belief that a better tomorrow starts with empowering Broncos today.

Campaign Pillars: 2024 Progress

It is Boise State’s mission to make a college education accessible to all. Endowed scholarships help more students pursue a higher education, regardless of their circumstances. The Foundation’s Scholarship Endowment Bridge Program provides immediate funding for these types of endowed scholarships for four years while the pledge is being fully funded.

In 2024, donors endowed 35 new scholarships and one endowed graduate assistantship.

True Blue Scholarships made up almost 18% of new endowed scholarships in fiscal year 2024. Awarded based on financial need and merit, they are an important tool for helping Idaho students receive a college education in their home state. These current-use funds are awarded to residents for four years, based primarily on financial need and merit. 

Endowment Payout

In 2024, 27% of the Foundation’s total distribution to the university came from endowment payout. The Foundation made more than $5.5 million available for distribution to augment the university’s operating budget in critical areas such as student financial aid as well as research and academic program support. 

Endowment Funds Made Available by Area

Boise State donors have made it clear that their top priority is providing student access to a world-class education, with 55% of the endowment payout going to student financial aid.  

Endowment Availability by Area Breakdown

light orange boxChairs and professorships

$ 531,315
9.7%
primary orange boxGeneral support, including foundation support

$ 588,605
10.7%
light blue boxResearch, instruction and academic support

$ 499,898
9.1%
primary blue boxStudent financial aid

$ 3,037,052
55.2%
middle blue boxAthletic scholarships and program support

$ 848,160
15.4%

Growth of the Total Endowment

At the close of fiscal year 2024, the market value of the Boise State Foundation’s total endowment investment portfolio grew to more than $164.5 million, a function of market gains and new gifts from donors. Over the past 10 years, the foundation’s total endowment has grown by more than 72%. 

Ten Year Endowment Growth (2014-2024)

Endowment Investment Return Pool

The Boise State Foundation exceeded its short-term objective of maintaining its purchasing power, even with recent market fluctuations. In fiscal year 2024, the portfolio posted an annual return of 12.07%, comparing to the Foundation peer group median return for endowment funds of less than $500M (11.65%). 

FY24 Endowment Investment Pool Return

Asset Class Allocation and Performance

In fiscal year 2024, the foundation saw strong returns across the broadly diversified portfolio, striking an optimal balance between providing long-term growth with acceptable levels of volatility. Because the spend rate calculation utilizes an average of the trailing two quarters to calculate payout, no single year’s market volatility will have a significant impact.

Asset Class Allocation and Performance

CategoryAllocation
(as of June 30, 2024)
FY2024 Asset Class ReturnsFY2024 Benchmark Returns
Domestic Market Equities33.4%18.1%23.1%
International Market Equities32.9%11.7%11.6%
Fixed Income23.2%4.2%2.6%
Real Assets9.8%14.9%13.3%
Private Equity0.4%(0.3%)
Cash Equivalents0.3%3.7%5.4%
RVK Quarterly Investment Performance Analysis – June 30, 2024, pp.13-15

Foundation Financial Statement

Foundation Distribution to the University Breakdown

middle blue boxEndowed scholarships, general endowment

$ 4,674,039
14%
primary orange boxAcademic programs

$ 4,312,295
13%
primary blue boxAthletic programs

$ 18,115,465
55%
light orange boxUniversity Advancement

$ 3,462,106
11%
light blue boxCurrent use scholarships

$ 2,400,127
7%
For a visual representation, see the graphic to the right.

Foundation Financial Statement Summary

Condensed Statement of Financial Position

Assets20242023
Cash and cash equivalents$ 2,112,886$ 3,406,602
Accrued interest and other receivables$ 605,838$ 481,513
Promises to give, net$ 14,787,914$ 14,386,004
Investments$ 234,669,424$ 206,831,537
Interest in perpetual trusts$ 2,725,674$ 2,579,956
Construction in progress$ 6,186,470 $ 5,459,602
Other assets$ 979,798 $ 880,871
TOTAL ASSETS $ 262,068,004 $ 234,026,085
Liabilities20242023
Accounts payable$ 7,210,722$ 2,004,846
Prepaid parking and suites$ 1,731,715 $ 1,690,853
Liability under split interest trusts$ 1,365,430$ 1,724,276
Trust earnings payable to trust beneficiaries$ 84,884$ 95,471
Other noncurrent liabilities$ 4,128,610$ 4,114,757
Total Liabilities $14,521,361 $9,630,203
Net Assets20242023
Restricted – nonexpendable$ 137,761,743$ 126,299,677
Restricted – expendable$ 96,132,570$ 86,865,413
Unrestricted$ 13,652,330$ 11,230,792
Total Net Assets$ 247,546,643$ 224,395,882
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS$ 262,068,004$ 234,026,085

Condensed Statement of Activities

REVENUES20242023
Gifts$ 28,388,721$ 27,695,847
Non-cash gifts$ 129,657$ 507,704
Other income$ 9,532,436$ 8,644,530
Net investment income$ 21,318,895$ 14,175,242
Change in split interest trusts$ 248,635($33,989)
TOTAL REVENUES $ 59,618,344 $ 50,989,334
EXPENSES20242023
Distribution of scholarships and general endowments$ 7,074,166$ 6,966,156
Distribution of funds for academic programs$ 4,312,295$ 4,241,214
Distribution of funds for athletic programs$ 18,115,465$ 9,947,290
Fundraising expense$ 4,184,223$ 2,844,605
Administrative expense$ 2,781,434$ 2,332,416
Other$ –$ 42,073
TOTAL EXPENSES$ 36,467,58326,373,754
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS$ 23,150,761$ 24,615,580
Liabilities20242023
Accounts payable$ 7,210,722$ 2,004,846
Prepaid parking and suites$ 1,731,715 $ 1,690,853
Liability under split interest trusts$ 1,365,430$ 1,724,276
Trust earnings payable to trust beneficiaries$ 84,884$ 95,471
Other noncurrent liabilities$ 4,128,610$ 4,114,757
Total Liabilities $14,521,361 $9,630,203
Net Assets20242023
Restricted – nonexpendable$ 137,761,743$ 126,299,677
Restricted – expendable$ 96,132,570$ 86,865,413
Unrestricted$ 13,652,330$ 11,230,792
Total Net Assets$ 247,546,643$ 224,395,882
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS$ 262,068,004$ 234,026,085
Net Assets20242023
NET ASSETS – Beginning of year$ 224,395,882$ 199,780,302
NET ASSETS – End of year$ 247,546,643$ 224,395,882

Our Heartfelt Thanks

When Boise State publicly launched the Unbridled campaign in 2023, it opened an ambitious new chapter for the university. The dedication and generosity of our donors continue to show the heart of our community and have led to yet another record-breaking year of philanthropy. Our friends, family and fans have made 2024 a year of astounding success for Boise State and for the Unbridled campaign. In the classroom, in the stands and on the job, Broncos are galloping toward achievement, impact and victory. Only together can we unleash the power of our culture of philanthropy to make this university the best it can possibly be.

Boise State University Foundation Board of Directors

The Boise State University Foundation Board of Directors comprises a vibrant group of community leaders who believe in the importance of higher education and in the vital role of Boise State University. Directors understand that philanthropy is an essential means by which the University sustains and enriches academic life and its purpose. Directors demonstrate that understanding by personally giving to the Foundation, encouraging others to join them and by creating long-lasting relationships with the University. Directors have an important fiduciary responsibility to be good stewards of the Foundation assets and ensure donor intent is honored.


To present a picture of the fiscal year activities, the Foundation has provided condensed statement information that departs from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in two ways. First, the accompanying condensed financial statements include only summarized statements of financial position, activities and change of net assets. They do not include statements of cash flows or the footnote disclosures. Second, the Foundation presented condensed information which consolidates current and noncurrent assets and liabilities.

The Foundation’s financial statements undergo an annual audit that is conducted by Eide Bailly LLP. They audited the financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, which are presented in conformity with GAAP, and they expressed an unqualified opinion on these financial statements.