The private, nonprofit University of Hawaii Foundation raised a whopping $66.9 million — a 43 percent jump over the previous year — to benefit students, faculty, research and programs across the 10-campus UH system.

The foundation’s fundraising soared during the fiscal year that ended June 30 while other nonprofit groups across the islands continue to struggle and, in some cases, cut programs because of dwindling donations.

"The UH Foundation’s solid results were primarily attributable to the increased community outreach by the foundation staff," Donna Vuchinich, foundation president and CEO, said in a statement Wednesday.

The message to the community was that a "strong and viable" foundation benefits the entire university, she said.

"We had particular success in the areas of large gifts and estate giving," she added.

Through the previous five years, the foundation received an average of $50 million annually in donations, according to foundation data.

Before the recession, the organization raised $63.3 million in 2007. Donations then steadily dropped to $41.2 million in 2010, according to the data.

Figures the foundation released Wednesday showed large gains in nearly every category of donations during the past fiscal year:

"Other individuals" provided $19.4 million, a 48 percent increase from the previous year. Alumni contributions of $15.4 million and "other" donations of $3.9 million tripled.

Contributions from foundations ($13.3 million) and corporations ($13.1 million) were each up by 12 percent.

While parents gave a combined $354,952 and students an additional $5,108, donors overall designated that the single biggest source of funds — $16.99 million —should go to "student aid."

Faculty and academic support had the next largest category of designated donations, $11.6 million.

Donors designated $10.5 million to "property, buildings & equipment."

Foundation officials did not respond to requests for comment about who will decide which specific programs and buildings will receive money.

Kim Gennaula, president of Aloha United Way, said there are hopeful signs of improvement in Hawaii’s charitable giving.

Aloha United Way’s pacesetter fundraising campaign that began in July saw a 27 percent increase in the number of island companies that want to begin fundraising early this year — from 95 companies last year to 118 this year, Gennaula said.

Aloha United Way already has 1,400 companies signed up for its general campaign that begins Aug. 24.

But United Way Worldwide and the Chronicle of Philanthropy "are still telling us to expect flat giving this year, especially locally because it’s an election year," Gennaula said.

One charity, Lanakila Meals on Wheels, Oahu’s largest meals program, began cutting the number of meals it delivers to senior citizens last month because of a slump in donations.

"UH has a very, very large fundraising team," Gennaula said. "I know that they have a lot more people dedicated to the fundraising effort than a lot of other nonprofits do. … Congratulations to UH. That must be a good day for them."

Vuchinich said the foundation was grateful for the community support.

"We thank the community for their generosity and for believing in our mission to be the premier institute of higher learning in Hawaii," she said. "It is a pleasure to support our young people for the betterment of the50th state."

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Star-Advertiser reporter Rob Perez contributed to this report.