Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Founded 1970

Supports Appalachian State University through fundraising, stewardship, and resource management for students and faculty

Primary audience
University Community
Work area
Educational Fundraising
Topic
Higher Education Support
Contact
Harold Swaim
Website Contact

About Organization

The Appalachian State University Foundation provides financial support and advocacy for the university's mission through strategic fundraising and asset management. Based in Boone, NC, the foundation manages $240.3 million in assets and generated $32.1 million in revenue in 2023. Founded in 1970, the organization works with 20 volunteers to advance educational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.

What They Focus On

Student Financial Aid

Provides scholarships and emergency funding to ensure access to education for Appalachian State students

Academic Excellence

Supports faculty research, teaching innovation, and program development to enhance educational quality

University Advancement

Builds endowment resources and donor relationships to secure long-term sustainability for the university

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$32.1M

Expenses (2023)

$29.7M

Assets (2023)

$240.4M

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $32,111,137 $29,705,857 $240,354,589 0
2021 — — — —
2021 $32,803,152 $22,692,301 $211,346,628 0
2020 — — — —
2020 $22,964,979 $24,108,284 $199,365,776 0
2019 $18,404,104 $17,579,431 $159,413,962 0
2018 $17,601,589 $16,091,444 $163,259,259 0

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Donor Engagement

    Connect with alumni and supporters to identify giving opportunities aligned with university priorities

  • 02

    Resource Growth

    Execute fundraising campaigns and manage endowment investments to expand available resources

  • 03

    Financial Distribution

    Allocate funds to scholarships, programs, and initiatives supporting students, faculty, and staff

  • 04

    Impact Stewardship

    Report outcomes to donors and ensure transparent management of contributions and assets

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Appalachian State University

Student Support

Provides scholarships and financial resources to support Appalachian State University students pursuing their education

Faculty Development

Funds professional development and research initiatives for university faculty and staff members

Fundraising and Stewardship

Engages donors and alumni to grow financial resources supporting the university's mission and priorities

Asset Management

Manages endowment and investment portfolios to ensure long-term sustainability of university programs

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Appalachian State University.

HS

Harold Swaim

Executive Director Of Donor Engagement
30 hrs/week
JB

Jane Barghothi

Former President
1 hrs/week
SB

Stephanie Billings

Executive Director Of Alumni Affairs
30 hrs/week
WS

William Sears

Acting President (As Of 6/30/2024)
30 hrs/week
CC

Clayton Christian

Assistant Vice Chancellor
30 hrs/week
KA

Kyle Allen

Gift Office, Wcob
30 hrs/week
OO

Office of the Vice Chancellor

FO

Foundation Office

AS

Advancement Services

DD

Development + Donor Relations

DF

Development for Athletics

AE

Alumni Engagement

AG

Annual Giving

Milestones

1970

Foundation Established

1970

Appalachian State University Foundation officially founded to support the university's mission

2018

Steady Growth Period

2018

Foundation maintained consistent revenue around $17-18 million supporting university programs

2020

Fundraising Expansion

2020

Revenue increased to $23 million reflecting enhanced donor engagement efforts

2021

Record Revenue Year

2021

Foundation reached $32.8 million in revenue supporting expanded university initiatives

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

BH
Bo Henderson Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
CA
Cantey Alexander Board Chair 3.00 hrs/week
CS
Carolyn Schmalenberger Board Vice Chair 3.00 hrs/week
CS
Chad Seigler Board Secretary 3.00 hrs/week
DL
Dan Layzell Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
DW
David Williams Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
DC
Dennis Covington Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
DF
Donna Fiori Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
HN
Heather Norris Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
IS
Irene Sawyer Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
JR
James Reaves Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
JH
Jamie Harris Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
JU
Jeannine Underdown Collins Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
KF
Kyler Ferguson Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
MR
Mark Ricks Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
PO
Phillip Ostwalt Board Treasurer 3.00 hrs/week
SP
Sam Powers Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
SE
Sheri Everts Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
SW
Steve Wyatt Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
WD
Wyatt Dixon Board Member 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$431K

Highest Paid

$99K

Dan Layzell

Compensated Officers

9

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Dan Layzell Board Member $0 $98,530 $98,530 1
Jane Barghothi Former President $0 $83,966 $83,966 1
William Sears Acting President (As Of 6/30/2024) $0 $63,776 $63,776 30
Stephanie Billings Executive Director Of Alumni Affairs $0 $53,966 $53,966 30
Clayton Christian Assistant Vice Chancellor $0 $42,784 $42,784 30
Sheri Everts Board Member $0 $32,833 $32,833 1
Kyle Allen Gift Office, Wcob $0 $22,311 $22,311 30
Harold Swaim Executive Director Of Donor Engagement $0 $18,668 $18,668 30
Heather Norris Board Member $0 $14,098 $14,098 1

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$2.7M Grants Received
18 Organizations

Top Funders

18 total
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$1.4M
TB
The Bessemer Giving Fund
$270K
TW
The Winston-Salem Foundation
$204K
AO
American Online Giving Foundation Inc.
$164K
MS
Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. 2 grants
$133K
FF
Foundation For The Carolinas
$113K
NC
Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc.
$80K
GD
Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund
$70K
NC
North Carolina Scottish Rite Masonic
$44K
CA
Charities Aid Foundation America
$41K
+8 more funders
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund The Bessemer Giving Fund The Winston-Salem Foundation American Online Giving Foundation Inc. Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. Foundation For The Carolinas Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc. Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund North Carolina Scottish Rite Masonic Charities Aid Foundation America Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund American Endowment Foundation Spencer Educational Foundation Inc. North Carolina Community Foundation Invited Foundation Community Foundation Of The Amg Charitable Gift Foundation
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund The Bessemer Giving Fund The Winston-Salem Foundation American Online Giving Foundation Inc. Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. Foundation For The Carolinas Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc. Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund North Carolina Scottish Rite Masonic Charities Aid Foundation America Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund American Endowment Foundation Spencer Educational Foundation Inc. North Carolina Community Foundation Invited Foundation Community Foundation Of The Amg Charitable Gift Foundation

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Appalachian State University

Phone

(828) 262-2341

Social

Visit Website
Asu Box 32064 Mckinney Alumni Ctr Boone, NC 286082064