The University of Wyoming athletics department set a new record in raising $20.4 million during the 2015-16 fiscal year, the department announced Wednesday.
More than 4,500 donors contributed during the fiscal year that ended June 30, with more than 500 others giving money through fundraising events. The department's previous fundraising record was $12.8 million, set during the 2013-14 year.
Donations are especially critical for UW athletics, as declining revenues statewide have put state funding at risk.
For the 2016 fiscal year, the state matched funds raised by the Cowboy Joe Club, the athletics department's booster organization, up to $5 million.