How the Chronicle Compiled Its List of the Top 50 Donors of 2024
A look at what gifts count toward the ranking — and why some big-name philanthropists aren’t on the list
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Late Goldman Sachs Partner and Wife Give $70 Million
Plus, the reality television pioneer Jonathan Murray gave his journalism school $10 million, and Montana State University and Wabash College received big gifts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Michigan Hospital Lands $30 Million for Emergency Room and Women’s Health-Care Services
Plus, a struggling art school in San Francisco and three universities received big gifts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
How to Tap Into Corporate Giving
It can be hard to know how to get a foot in the door with corporations and attract support. We’ve gathered advice, ideas, and case studies to help you jump-start your strategy.
7 Ways to Secure Corporate Partnerships — and Make the Most of Them
Corporate-giving strategists share what works in closing the deal on grants and other valuable types of support from companies.
By M.J. Prest and Jie Jenny Zou
Mellon Foundation Commits $35 Million for Jazz Preservation Efforts
Plus, the College of William & Mary received $50 million to back scholarships for students at its Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences, and Arnold Ventures awarded $35.6 million to the North Carolina Community College System.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Philadelphians Catherine and Anthony Clifton Give UPenn $120 Million
Plus, World Resources Institute and University of Chicago will share in a $100 million gift for global energy-transition efforts, Morehouse College landed $5 million for scholarships, and three other universities received large donations.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
What Fundraisers Can Learn From Jerry Falwell and the Conservative Movement
The Moral Majority’s long-game strategy offers a framework for fundraisers seeking sustainable success, regardless of their politics.
By Jason Lewis
Contributor
Looking for DAF Donors? Here Are 4 Keys to St. Jude’s Success
The fundraising powerhouse uses every opportunity to let people know it accepts gifts from DAFs, and it tracks data carefully so it can make tailored appeals.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Washburn University Lands $50 Million From Alumni Couple
Plus, the Canadian American billionaire Charles Bronfman pledged $25 million to Birthright Israel Foundation to increase the organization’s endowment.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Newman’s Own Invites More Companies to Donate 100 Percent of Their Profits to Charities
Legislation passed in 2018 makes it easier for companies to follow the Newman’s Own model, by allowing foundations to own corporations, with some conditions.
By Thalia Beaty
Associated Press
‘It’s Not Over’: Steps to Rethink Fundraising After Trump’s Spending Freeze
It will be especially important for nonprofits that rely on federal grants to communicate with their donors, fundraising experts say.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
L.A. Dodgers Foundation, Walter Family Foundation Commit $100 Million for Wildfire Recovery
Plus, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland received $90 million to support five Jewish day schools in the city, and $70 million will back research and scholarships for medical students at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Advice for New Fundraisers From Folks Who Have Been There — Recently
Learning to deal with nerves and rejection are two of the biggest challenges new fundraisers face, according to colleagues with several years’ experience.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
How Young Fundraisers Can Chart Their Careers
Early-career fundraisers should explore different kinds of development work, be vocal about their goals, and build a network of support.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
How to Find Fundraising Mentors — and Best Learn From Them
It isn’t always easy to find a mentor, but the benefits are worth the effort, say early-career and veteran fundraisers.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising