CASE Insights on Philanthropy in Independent Schools Summary Video Briefing-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This CASE Insights briefing, led by Emma Sonduck and colleagues Deborah Trumbull and Jenny Cook-Smith, summarizes key findings from the 2024 Independent School Philanthropy data collected via the DASL platform. CASE provides global data, standards, and research to help independent schools benchmark fundraising, alumni engagement, and campaigns through consistent, ethical metrics. The 2022-2024 data from 383 CASE member schools reveals a 3.4% decrease in total funds received and 3.5% decrease in donor counts, with a notable rise in restricted operational gifts and mid-sized donations ($25K-$1M). Donor count decline signals ongoing challenges despite fundraising fluctuations influenced by external factors like COVID-19. Increased advancement staff correlates strongly with higher funds raised, emphasizing investment in personnel. CASE offers interactive summary reports for members to assess their performance against peers, encourages engagement with additional surveys, and highlights upcoming 2025-2026 DASL data collection deadlines. The briefing stresses philanthropy's evolving, purpose-driven nature and the importance of data-informed advancement strategies in independent schools.

Keywords

independent school philanthropy

CASE Insights briefing

DASL platform

fundraising benchmarks

donor counts

advancement staff