The University of Hawaii Foundation raised $129 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, an all-time high that tops the record $98.5 million raised the year before.

The nonprofit organization raises private funds to benefit students, faculty, research and programs at the university’s 10 campuses.

The fundraising total was lifted in large part by a $69 million gift from alumnus businessman Jay Shidler last fall to further support the university’s business college that bears his name.

“This year we saw 29,653 donors making gifts of all sizes to support programs that they are passionate about,” foundation President and CEO Donna Vuchinich said in a statement. “We are excited and energized by their generosity and the knowledge that every single gift will make a difference for Hawaii.”

The foundation said the majority of donations, about 99 percent, are donor-directed, meaning the donor decides how the gift can be spent.

The contributions will support some of the following areas:

>> $40.8 million (32 percent) will go to student aid, including scholarships, student awards, fellowships and grants.

>> $33.9 million (26 percent) has been earmarked for faculty and academic support.

>> $25 million (20 percent) will go to chairs and professorships.

>> $9.9 million (8 percent) will benefit research.

>> $6.5 million (5 percent) has been designated for “special programs,” which includes student competitions, summer programs and various performing arts programs.

>> $5.8 million (5 percent) will go toward athletic programs.

“These private investments fund University of Hawaii faculty excellence, students’ access to a quality higher education and tools to succeed, critical environmental, health and wellness related research, and myriad programs and learning opportunities for our communities,” UH Foundation Board Chairman T. Michael May said in a statement.

The majority of donations, $82.6 million, came from alumni, again boosted by Shidler’s gift. Some $20 million in donations came from individual donors who are not affiliated with UH by way of being an alumnus, employee, student or parent. Corporate donations made up 9 percent of donations ($12 million), while foundations provided 7 percent of donations ($9.3 million).