The Kansas University Endowment on Monday reported providing a record $124.1 million in private donations to support KU and the Kansas University Hospital.

The funds are used according to donors’ specifications and include scholarships, fellowships and awards to more than 6,000 students.

The funding also goes to nearly all academic programs, faculty, the construction of new facilities, patient care, research, the arts, and library and museum acquisitions.

“Philanthropic support benefits every student, faculty member and program,” said Dale Seuferling, president of KU Endowment, the fundraising arm of KU. “It helps propel the university and hospital forward and ensures their long-term vitality.”

The $124.1 million total was $4.7 million more than last year, which had been the previous record.

Seuferling said he hoped the increasing amount in donations would show legislators, who allocate state funds, that higher education is held in high regard in Kansas.

“We would view it as an opportunity for public policymakers to see that donors are making a very positive statement about higher education and the mission of the university,” he said.

Every year, KU Endowment transfers income from endowed funds, along with expendable gifts, according to donors’ intent. Some of these funds were established decades ago, while others were created recently as part of Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, a $1.2 billion comprehensive campaign scheduled to go through 2016.