2025 Key Findings - CASE Insights on Philanthropy (Canada) in partnership with CCAE-Recording: 2025 Key Findings - CASE Insights on Philanthropy (Canada) in partnership with CCAE

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focused on Canadian philanthropy in higher education, presenting insights from CASE's philanthropy surveys and research from 2018 to 2025. Deborah Trumbull from CASE Insights opened the session, emphasizing the importance of data to demonstrate advancement's value amid challenges faced by Canadian educational institutions. Danielle Lamothe from CCAE highlighted the need for institutions to communicate advancement's impact and encouraged survey participation.<br /><br />Key findings revealed a 5% increase in new funds committed from 2024 to 2025 among 24 consistent institutions, but a 24% decline in median new funds committed, driven by smaller colleges and primarily undergraduate institutions struggling with declining major gifts. Trusts and foundations remained the largest gift source, supporting research initiatives which dominate philanthropic priorities. Alumni donor numbers decreased, though total dollars from them rose, reflecting broader trends.<br /><br />Staffing increased notably in marketing and communications, supporting engagement efforts. Expenditures grew, especially in alumni relations, despite some institutions facing budget pressures. CASE highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and donor personalization, citing a University of Illinois example where AI drastically reduced content creation time.<br /><br />Donor engagement strategies were discussed, noting challenges in maintaining mid-career alumni connections and the necessity of better data quality and sharing to build strong portfolios. Innovative initiatives like giving days are boosting donor participation across gift levels by showcasing institutional priorities and including varied engagement opportunities.<br /><br />Overall, the data underscores the need for strategic collaboration between advancement teams and academics, efficient use of resources, and leveraging technology to sustain and grow philanthropic support amid ongoing sector pressures. Participants were invited to continue contributing data and engage with CASE benchmarking and support services to strengthen their advancement efforts.

Keywords

Canadian philanthropy

higher education

CASE philanthropy surveys

advancement value

donor engagement

fundraising trends

trusts and foundations

alumni relations

artificial intelligence in fundraising

strategic collaboration