Columbia University experienced a significant drop in donations at its annual fundraiser following anti-Israel protests on campus earlier in the year. The “Giving Day” event in 2024 brought in $21.4 million, down from $30 million in 2022, with a 28% decrease in the number of gifts given, the lowest since 2015. This decline was attributed to concerns surrounding campus protests, leading to a donor crisis at the university.
The number of gifts had been steadily increasing for 10 years before this significant drop. The athletics department raised a record $4.6 million, while Columbia College, which had consistently been the top fundraiser for 11 years, fell to second place with $3.5 million. The School of Engineering and Applied Science raised $3.2 million to take the third spot in fundraising efforts. Despite the decrease in donations, Columbia acknowledged the ongoing support from its alumni, parents, and friends who continue to contribute to the success of the university.
Criticism has been directed at Columbia University for its handling of the demonstrations that took place on campus. Anti-Israel protests resumed at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, adding to the ongoing tensions surrounding the issue. Columbia was also one of the Ivy League schools investigated by the Department of Education for civil rights violations under Title VI in December, highlighting the broader challenges the university faces regarding campus activism.
The impact of the protests and donor crisis raised concerns about the university’s ability to maintain its fundraising efforts and support its mission effectively. The decrease in donations and gifts could potentially affect various programs and initiatives at Columbia University, prompting a need for stronger communication and engagement with its donor community. Future strategies for fundraising and engagement may need to be reconsidered to address the concerns raised by the protests and their impact on donor support.
Despite the challenges faced by Columbia University, the school remains grateful for the ongoing support of its alumni, parents, and friends who continue to contribute to its success. The dedicated community of donors plays a vital role in assisting students, supporting the university’s mission, and ensuring its continued success. Moving forward, Columbia will need to address the issues raised by the protests and donor crisis while also working to strengthen its relationship with its donor community to maintain its fundraising efforts and support its mission effectively.
In conclusion, Columbia University’s experience with the decline in donations following anti-Israel protests highlights the broader challenges universities face in navigating campus activism and maintaining donor support. The university will need to address concerns surrounding protests, donor engagement, and fundraising efforts to ensure its continued success and support for its programs and initiatives. By acknowledging these challenges and working to strengthen its relationship with its donor community, Columbia can overcome the obstacles it faces to maintain its position as a leading institution of higher education.
