Alumni and friends of Guilford College contributed $322,247 during the Guilford Madness spring giving campaign March 18-20, a 39% increase over last year.

The number of gifts to the spring campaign also increased by 30% year over year to a total of 838, according to Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations figures as of April 3. There were 702 unique donors, including 200 making their first gift.

The majority of the amount contributed – $233,599 – was unrestricted, meaning Guilford can use those funds in areas of its choosing and of greatest need. $166,898 was contributed to the Loyalty Fund.

“We were delighted with the response to Guilford Madness from so many constituents in the Guilford community,” said LaDaniel Gatling II, Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Relations. “Guilfordians love this institution, and that was evident in the spring giving campaign. We are deeply grateful.”

Alumni contributed 51% of the total (including 59 gifts from young alumni), followed by parents and friends at 24%, foundations at 22% and faculty and staff at 3%.

315 gifts totalling $50,626 were made to intercollegiate athletics. 28% of the gifts for athletics were to the Quaker Club, with other gifts for specific teams.

The campaign had a Guilford Madness theme for the second straight year and coincided with the College’s men’s basketball team’s run to the NCAA DIvision III Final Four.

Guilford Madness featured many activities for alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students, including a Tip-off Party off campus, a Planting Party service project at the Guilford Farm and a Final Countdown gathering on campus.