At Columbia University, donations at its annual fundraiser fell by nearly 29% following a spate of anti-Israel protests on campus earlier this year.
The annual “Giving Day” event brought in $21.4 million in revenue in 2024, compared to $30 million in 2022, the last time the event was held. According to the campus newspaper “Columbia Spectator.'' Giving Day has been postponed to 2023 due to the October 7 Hamas attack and subsequent protests.
The number of gifts at Ivy League universities also fell by nearly 28%, from 19,229 in 2022 to 13,870, the lowest since 2015, according to the paper.
According to the Spectator, Columbia University is dealing with a “donor crisis born of concerns about campus protests.”
The number of gifts had been increasing for 10 consecutive years before plummeting this year.
The most money was raised by the athletics department, which raised $4.6 million, a record for the department. Columbia University, which had topped the list for 11 consecutive years, dropped to second place with $3.5 million. The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences placed third, raising $3.2 million.
“Columbia University is committed to the support of alumni, parents and guardians who recognize that their financial gifts, volunteer time, talent, advice, and guidance make an impact in supporting students and supporting the mission of the University and its schools.” , we are fortunate to have a dedicated community of friends,” a Columbia spokesperson said. Said. “Their continued involvement and support is deeply appreciated and will ensure the continued success of the university in the years to come.”
The school has faced criticism for mishandling the protests.
Anti-Israel protests resumed in September at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
Columbia University was one of the Ivy schools investigated by the Department of Education for civil rights violations under Title VI in December.
