Advancement teams have a pivotal role in bridging the ever-widening gap in funding for higher education institutions. As this gap continues to expand, these teams have emerged as increasingly prominent players to raise philanthropic support. This research study is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of their engagement strategies and gaining a…

Planned giving is a critical source of funding for higher education institutions. Smaller institutions receive fewer of these gifts in comparison to larger research institutions of higher education. Higher education leaders have recognized these benefits and suggest that these gifts would create a substantial opportunity for changes in smaller…

This phenomenological study was conducted to ascertain Generation Z's attitudes and perspectives regarding agrofood philanthropy. To effectively engage the upcoming generation as philanthropists, it is necessary to determine how they define philanthropy, what motivates them to give, how they have already participated in philanthropic efforts, and…

What good is charitable giving for the giver? While previous research has examined ways of increasing charitable donations of money and their associated emotional benefits, extant studies have overlooked the cognitive consequences of giving for the giver. The present research examines the causal relationship between charitable donation of money…

This qualitative case study explored the LGBTQ+ allyship affiliations of 16 participants, and their motivations for giving within a higher education and state-funded institution setting. The study utilized a primary theoretical framework, identity-based motivation, and two secondary frameworks, philanthropic mirroring, and identity-based…

The study explored the impact of motivations and organizational ethos on foundation giving to small colleges and universities seeking to enhance funding streams and educational opportunities within these institutions. Employing a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with former foundation executives to delve…

This dissertation aims to explore the donor characteristics at a large southern public doctoral granting university. The goal is to better understand alumni donor motives and the changing intrinsic needs of the donor across generations. Economic and philosophical theories including Social Exchange Theory, Warm Glow, and Recognition Theory will be…

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have experienced severe cutbacks in funding over the past few years, with universities examining options for alternative funding streams, such as alumni funding. Identifying the factors influencing their alumni's intentions to invest in their alma mater can be of significant importance when establishing a…

This research study sought to better understand what motivates and influences young alumni to engage with their alma mater. For many development and alumni relations departments, alumni have become a source of private funding to assist in the decreased burden of tuition and the cost of attending college. Frequently, alumni who are reached out to…

The active participation of alumni is necessary for the long-term health of institutions of higher education. Alumni contribute financially to higher education institutions by sharing their time and talents. Recently, a small private University in Macao initiated an alumni mentoring pilot program to engage alumni. However, it is unclear what the…

Various determinants have been found to explain the donor status and giving levels of college alumni. Limited research exists on what motivates college alumni to give repeated donations to a higher education institution. The purpose of this study was to determine if commitment and trust significantly related to higher education institutions…

Institutions of higher education nationwide are looking for new fundraising strategies to generate revenue. Many are turning to their faculty and staff in an effort to create a culture of philanthropy across their universities and to attract new donors. Texas Christian University (TCU) in Forth Worth, Texas has implemented an annual faculty and…

Modest inquiry exists to elucidate why donors make large contributions to community colleges. Of every charitable dollar donated to education, two-year colleges receive 2 to 4 cents. This grounded theory study included 30 major donors to 23 colleges in 18 states. The questions were comprehensive: why donors and how donors make major gifts;…

Higher education is faced with a challenge to its traditional funding structure. As a result, academic programs must seek alternative sources of support. Chief among these sources is philanthropy in the form of major gifts. Insight into donor motivations and decision making when approached to consider a major gift may help to maximize the success…

For many development officers, giving to their alma maters, employers, or local nonprofit agencies makes them better at their jobs by deepening their understanding of donor motivations and reinforcing what to do--and what not to do. Some can testify to the importance of stewardship because they weren't treated well. Others find that seeing their…