Iowa State University's external fundraising sets another record. ISU'S fundraising total for the fiscal year ending June 30th came in at more than $503.5 million, up by more than $77 million from the previous year. It's the fourth year in row for record fundraising. School officials say the increase was due in part to a $93 million gift to the ISU Foundation largely benefiting the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. External funding includes grants, contracts, gifts and cooperative agreements from federal, state and local governments, as well as from corporations, nonprofits and other universities. The money supports research, academics, scholarships, fellowships and more.