The University of Hawaii Foundation raised $66.3 million during the 2012-13 fiscal year, which ended June 30, down slightly from last year’s fundraising totals.

The nonprofit organization raises money from the private sector to benefit the university’s 10 campuses.

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

Nearly $17 million will go to student aid — the single biggest amount among 11 categories. Money in this category pays for scholarships, student awards, fellowships and grants.

Another $11.3 million was pegged for "special programs," which a foundation spokeswoman said is used for student competitions, summer programs, marching band and various performing arts programs.

Donations in other areas included $10.7 million for faculty and academic support; $8 million for research; $7 million for professorships; and $4 million for athletics.

Most of the donations — $29.6 million — came from individual donors who are not affiliated with UH by way of being an alumnus, employee, student or parent. Total donations in that category increased by more than 52 percent over last year.

Meanwhile, alumni contributed $14.8 million, about 4 percent less this year. Donations from foundations ($8.6 million) and corporations ($6.6 million) dropped by 35 percent and 49 percent, respectively.

"The donors we work with are inspired, strategic philanthropists. We are humbled and grateful for their generosity, and know that the investments they have made in students and programs on all 10 UH campuses will make a positive and lasting impact," foundation President and CEO Donna Vuchinich said in a statement.

The foundation, a legally separate entity from the university and other UH affiliates, raised $66.9 million during the 2011-12 fiscal year.

Before the recession, the organization raised $63.3 million in 2007. Donations then steadily dropped to a low of $41.2 million in 2010 before rising last year.