The purpose of this study was to understand the strength of the relationship between commitment, trust, satisfaction, involvement, and stewardship activities and donor retention as measured by lapsed giving, repeat giving, increased giving, and planned giving. The goal of the study was to support with data the key variables that impact donor retention within private higher education. The need for initiatives and programs that positively impact donor retention is essential for private higher education institutions to fulfill their mission. Four research questions were designed to guide this study. First, what factors contribute to a donor's decision to continue donating to private higher education institutions in the Southeast? Second, what factors contribute to a donor's decision to stop giving to private higher education institutions in the Southeast? Third, how do donor recognition societies impact repeat donor giving to private institutions in the Southeast? Lastly, what motivations and activities impact a donor's intention to establish a planned gift? The study population consisted of a randomized sample of 500 donors to the study institution. The final sample population consisted of 48 respondents to this quantitative study's invitation to participate in a Qualtrics survey concerning repeat donor giving. Qualtrics XP platform was used to administer and collect the survey data, and the statistical analysis was conducted using a Microsoft Excel platform. A key implication of this study was the identification of trust as the highest-scored variable regarding a donor's willingness to make a repeat gift and the need for development offices to develop programs that enhance a donor's trust in the institution. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]