Based on responses to the annual Voluntary Support of Education survey, CASE estimates that colleges and universities in the U.S. raised $49.60 billion during the 2019 academic fiscal year, 6.1% more than in 2018 and the highest amount ever raised.

Giving unevenly distributed by source, purpose

The increase is attributed to increased support from organizations. Contributions from individuals declined. Capital purpose giving rose more than support for current operations.

Private research/doctoral, public baccalaureate institutions posted largest gains

Contributions were unevenly distributed among types of institutions. In the aggregate, both private research/doctoral and public baccalaureate institutions reported double-digit percentage increases. Public research/doctoral and public master’s institutions also reported increases, but they were small. All other types of institutions reported declines in support.

The environment for giving

The 2019 fiscal year was the first year during which the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was in effect for the full period studied. In addition, there was a decline in stock values in December 2018, included in this fiscal year. Both likely had effects on the level of support as well as the distribution of support by source and purpose.

Throughout the year, AMAtlas will release research briefs that explore aspects of the VSE findings in greater depth.