While Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities suffered a $3 million decline in private fundraising last year, Penn State managed a slight increase in private funding despite a troubled economy, figures show.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, the amount of private support to Penn State totaled nearly $181 million, a 2 percent increase over last year. The total number of donors also increased 6 percent from the previous year, said Jean Hughes, director of financial and administrative services.

This year marks the 11th consecutive year that private donations have increased, Hughes said.

The State System of Higher Education, which experienced the decline, is composed of universities such as Lock Haven University, but does not include state-related schools, such as University of Pittsburgh or Temple University.

The slow economy has had some effect on private donations, but people are still willing to donate, said Peter Weiler, associate vice president for development and alumni relations.

"It's not that they aren't doing it [donating], they are just slower to react," he said.

The Grand Destiny Campaign is one program Penn State has instituted to ensure steady support from private donors. However, the seven-year fundraising project is scheduled to end June 30, and the university wants to continue to maintain private funding, said Michael Bezilla, director of development communications and special projects.

"Fundraising campaigns tend to generate very strong momentum," Bezilla said. "But, giving also tends to fall off after the campaign is over. People have to understand, needs are continuous."

Bezilla said the university's success in the past could be attributed to its positive relations with alumni and corporations.

"A large part of it has to do with communicating effectively," he said.

The five-year Trustee Scholarship Program launched July 1 is another way the university hopes to maintain private donations. The program's goal is to raise $100 million in endowed support, Bezilla said.

The endowments will be especially geared towards financially needy students, he said.

"We want to make sure the university is accessible to everyone," Bezilla added.

New campaigns are planned to take effect after the Grand Destiny Campaign ends, Weiler said.

The Grand Destiny Campaign's initial goal was to raise $1.3 million in private support. The plan encompasses all the colleges throughout the university.

While specific plans for private fundraising have not been established yet, the new campaigns will not be as broad as the Grand Destiny Campaign, Weiler said.

"Likely every college will have an individual, targeted campaign that will contribute to that college's individual needs," he said.