Radcliffe has received more than twice as much money in gifts in the first half of the fiscal year than it had at the same time last year, as the institution took in an unprecedented $2.3 million between July 1 and December 31.

President Horner said yesterday she is "delighted" with the increase, and that Radcliffe will use the unexpected revenue to bolster existing programs, including financial aid and research in women's studies.

"I wish we could do some major new things with the money," but inflation and cuts in federal aid have forced Radcliffe to channel its new money into current programs, she added.

Horner said she believes Radcliffe alumnae who approved of the 1977 administrative split from Harvard--under which Radcliffe programs are funded and administered independently of the University--are principally responsible for the increase in donations.

Before 1977, fewer alumnae contributed because "people were worried that Radcliffe would merge with Harvard," Horner said explaining that the gifts show an increasing awareness among alumnae of the "substantial contribution" that Radcliffe has made to women's studies Gifts to Radcliffe have increased steadily since 1977, Horner said.

Some of the increase in the half year figure may come from alumnae wishing to take advantage of tax benefits be contributing before the end of 1981. Mary J. Cox '51, Radcliffe vice president for development, said yesterday.

Radcliffe has also received $300,000 from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support post-doctoral research on women's issues. The money, a renewal of a 1978 grant of $340,000, will support the Murray Research Center and the Schlesinger Library.