The University of Notre Dame announced today that it plans to make voluntary contributions totaling $5.5 million over the next 10 years to the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka, the town of Roseland and to St. Joseph County.
“From the Center for the Homeless and the Robinson Community Learning Center to forthcoming initiatives such as Innovation Park and the Eddy Street Commons, Notre Dame has a long history of lending its intellectual, financial and service assistance to the community in support of the common good,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University. “During these trying economic times, with our local governments facing extraordinary challenges, we hope that this direct financial contribution will have a positive impact on the local communities with which we have regular interaction.”
The funds will be provided in increments of $500,000 in each of the first five years and $600,000 annually in the second five years. The funding levels for each of the municipalities are provided in the chart below.
The unrestricted funds may be used as needed by the municipalities, according to Father Jenkins.
“We have full confidence that local government leaders know how these funds can best be used for the good of their constituents,” he said.
Father Jenkins added: “The University has reached out in recent months to listen to a wide array of individuals throughout the region, and we have consistently heard that there is an expectation for Notre Dame to be a leader. These contributions are one way to demonstrate our commitment to leadership, and we hope and believe that these funds will make a positive difference in our community.”
In addition to this new contribution, Notre Dame has an annual economic impact of $873 million and accounts for more than 12,000 jobs in St. Joseph County, according to a study conducted in 2006 by the economic consulting firm Appleseed.
The analysis also found that the University annually draws more than 685,000 visitors from outside the county who spend some $114 million off campus; contributes more than 373,000 work hours each year through student volunteerism; and has accounted for more than $12 million over the past five years in local taxes.
The new community contributions from Notre Dame will begin soon. Checks will be mailed in the next few weeks.
University of Notre Dame
Community Contributions
| Funding Levels | Years 1-5 | 20% Increase Years 6-10 | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of South Bend | $275,000 | $330,000 | $3,025,000 |
| St. Joseph County | 170,000 | 204,000 | 1,870,000 |
| City of Mishawaka | 50,000 | 60,000 | 550,000 |
| Town of Roseland | 5,000 | 6,000 | 55,000 |
| $500,000 | $600,000 | $5,500,000 |