SCBIZ Daily Staff 

CHARLESTON -- The Medical University of South Carolina raised more than $67 million last year in gifts, pledges and payments, setting a record, the school announced Monday.

That amount outpaced last year’s $63.6 million fundraising total by almost 6%.

During the fiscal year that ended June 30, the school received $35.1 million from foundations and nonprofit organizations; $24.4 million from individual benefactors, including patients, alumni and other supporters; and $7.7 million from businesses and corporations.

Fundraising totals and the number of donors have been growing steadily for the past three years. In this most recent cycle, more than 12,300 donors gave more than 19,900 gifts, MUSC reported.

University President Ray Greenberg said the successful year marks a growing base of support as MUSC continues its $300 million capital campaign to make up for shrinking state resources. The public phase of that campaign kicked off in May. Already, the university has secured $226 million in gifts and pledges.

“Although MUSC is considered a state-assisted institution, our state support has dropped to the point where it now accounts for just over 6% of our annual operating costs,” Greenberg said. “Philanthropy plays a critical role in helping us overcome that shortfall so that we can continue to meet South Carolina’s growing health care needs.”