UW System President Kevin Reilly said in a Board of Regents meeting Thursday a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign would soon begin for greater financial aid at state colleges.

Reilly wants to raise $6 to $12 million a year in privately funded donations for need-based financial aid, UW System spokesperson David Giroux said.

According to Giroux, a major portion of the campaign calls for a comprehensive website to make donating easier, and to raise awareness about importance of financial aid.

He said the fundraising drive would not require hiring any additional staff.

According to Giroux, less state funding for higher education is a factor in promoting more private donations, Giroux said a major reason for the campaign is the issue of increasing costs for college.

Members of several student councils around the state also presented their priorities for the upcoming UW System budget at the meeting, including better faculty retention and domestic partner benefits for staff.