While the budget has endured multiple cuts, faculty and staff giving is up from where it was last year at Baker University, with almost 20 percent participation, the highest it’s ever been.

Lyn Lakin, vice president of university advancement, said she’s seen a large increase in giving from faculty and staff this year – about $20,000 more than last year so far, which goes toward the general fund.

“The general fund is what pays bills, so the more money in the general fund the less the deficit,” Lakin said.

Lakin said the university isn’t holding an annual faculty and staff giving campaign this year since so many people are already struggling due to the economy. Regardless, Lakin said she’s seen people increase their payroll deductions, sign up for the first time and donate one-time gifts.

“It’s been pretty amazing,” she said.

The university will continue to collect payroll deductions through June and although it isn’t going to sponsor a formal campaign doesn’t want to discourage people from donating if they’d like to.

Lakin said she estimates at least $15,000 more in giving will go toward the general fund before the end of the fiscal year.

"Year to date, we're trending 2 percent higher than we were last year for annual giving," Lakin said.<br/>