A $500 million fund-raising campaign for a variety of Kansas University programs and projects is getting nearer to its goal.

KU First: Invest in Excellence, has raised $469 million so far, according to Forrest Hoglund, campaign chairman.

Counting toward the campaign’s goal began in 1998, Hoglund said.

“Donor response to KU First has been — and continues to be — just tremendous. The funds we’ve raised so far have helped KU fill some of its top priority needs. Staff and volunteers from the Kansas University Endowment Association have contacted hundreds of donors to accomplish this, but many needs still remain and we must reach many more alumni and friends. We are determined to put forth our best effort to reach the campaign goal,” Hoglund said in prepared remarks.

KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said through the combination of donor gifts and funds from other resources, KU is increasing its ability to grow with funds other than those provided by the state or through tuition and fees.

For more on this story, see the 6News reports at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunflower Broadband’s Channel 6 and pick up a copy of Tuesday’s Journal-World.