◆Pioneering Initiative for a New University Management Model◆ Kansai University Establishes Endowment Fund "Kansai University Mirai Fund" ~From Tuition/Subsidy-Dependent Management to Endowment-Type University Management~

This year, marking Kansai University's 140th anniversary, the university will establish the "Kansai University Mirai Fund" (Future Fund), an endowment fund that will serve as its third basic fund, with the aim of enhancing the stability and sustainability of the institution for the future. The creation of this fund is a pioneering initiative among private universities in Kansai, establishing a mechanism where donations and their operating profits permanently support educational and research activities.

[Key Points of this Initiative] - Establishment of the "Kansai University Mirai Fund," a pioneering endowment fund among private universities in Kansai. - Fund management that utilizes operating profits and returns them to educational and research activities. - Donation solicitation to begin in June 2026, aiming for 100 billion yen in the future.

In recent years, the environment surrounding Japanese universities has been undergoing a major transformation, due to factors such as the declining 18-year-old population and stricter enrollment capacity management. In anticipation of these future environmental changes, Kansai University has been considering the ideal form of university management from a medium- to long-term perspective to shift away from a financial structure dependent on conventional tuition fees and subsidies. The introduction of endowment-type university funds, utilized by leading universities overseas, has been positioned as one of the important strategies for the future.

Based on this concept, and starting with the generous support from those who deeply understand and empathize with the university's future vision, we are now establishing the "Kansai University Mirai Fund." Moving forward, we will widely appeal for understanding and support for the purpose of this fund, aiming to realize an institution supported by diverse stakeholders including students, faculty, alumni, parents, as well as motivated companies, individuals, and local communities (donation solicitation to begin in June 2026).

Through this fund, we will strengthen our management foundation while continuously expanding the fund through reinvestment of operating profits. We aim to achieve a fund size of over 15 billion yen by 2036, when we celebrate our 150th anniversary, establishing a stable and independent financial base. Looking further ahead, we envision development to a scale of 100 billion yen in the future, and will continue to build a stronger and more sustainable university management foundation.

<Outline of Kansai University Mirai Fund> Fund Purpose: To reinvest operating profits to achieve early scale expansion, aiming to create a sustainable financial resource for the perpetual development of the institution, and in the future, utilize operating profits for education and research, facility development, and strengthening the financial base. Target Amount: For the time being, over 15 billion yen (by FY2036) will be a milestone, with a future goal of 100 billion yen.

Details of this matter: Kansai University Press Release https://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/ja/assets/pdf/about/pr/press_release/2026/No2.pdf