Analysis from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy provides insight into donor engagement, fundraising by region’s universities
A new white paper from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy explores higher education fundraising and philanthropy in sub-Saharan Africa.
Philanthropy in Africa has a long, rich and diverse tradition. In the face of financial challenges, more African higher education institutions have been seeking resources from private philanthropy and engaging African donors in advancing higher education. However, relatively little is known about the strategies and practices of fund development within higher education in Africa. The white paper, Engagement of African Donors in Advancing Higher Education in sub-Saharan Africa, shares knowledge from existing literature and the school’s exploratory analysis that sheds light on key aspects of advancement and the philanthropic landscape in higher education in the region.
The school further organized a series of convenings to promote informed dialogue on philanthropy for higher education in sub-Saharan Africa among thought leaders. Key findings and takeaways from all three components of the project are shared in the white paper. The project was made possible by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Exploring African philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy previously had conducted a series of interviews with advancement leaders of African higher education institutions (HEIs) in 2019 and 2020 to understand how these institutions engage with the African diaspora living in the United States to enhance opportunities for students and strengthen institutional capacity. These conversations offer valuable insights into their engagement strategies and the challenges they faced at the university and macro-levels.
To further understand African donors’ engagement in higher education in Africa, as part of the new white paper the school conducted a review of publicly available information on development and fundraising among African HEIs. This exploratory analysis focused on 57 top- ranking HEIs in sub-Saharan Africa and sheds light on the fundraising practices and structures African HEIs, African donor types and causes supported by African donors. The analysis further offers examples of some large cash and in-kind donations from African donors in advancing higher education across the continent with the hope of inspiring more major and everyday donors to join forces in driving transformative changes in higher education for Africa.
In collaboration with Dr. Emmanuel Kumi, senior research fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana, the school conducted a comprehensive review of existing academic and practical literature. The review examines private philanthropy supporting higher education, including local foundations, individual donors (especially alumni and the diaspora) as well as corporations and corporate foundations. It also identifies several challenges that constrain the growth of African philanthropic giving for higher education. Key findings are included in the white paper.
In a series of three convenings organized by the school in 2023 and 2024, conversations were facilitated among higher education advancement professionals, leaders from civil society organizations and philanthropy infrastructure organizations, scholars and policy makers. The convenings addressed a wide range of topics related to philanthropy for higher education in sub-Saharan Africa. Through the discussions, it became clear that HEIs in Africa face many internal and external challenges in raising philanthropic support. The conversations also suggested ideas to encourage philanthropy for higher education in Africa. Key takeaways are presented in the white paper.
Implications and Opportunities
Despite the growing interest in understanding philanthropy for higher education in sub-Saharan Africa, there is still very limited publicly available information on how African HEIs engage African individual and institutional donors. The review of the top ranking HEIs found that those with more established fundraising practices are more likely to have dedicated webpages to share fundraising priorities, donations received, advancement staff and donor and alumni stories. Posting information online is about more than transparency. Sharing updates on how donations are used is a powerful way to highlight the value of the institutions and demonstrate the impact of the donations. Stories of donors and alumni can be another effective approach to help institutions make emotional connections with their donors and alumni by conveying personal experiences. These efforts can inspire current and prospective donors to build a lasting relationship with institutions.
The lack of public information and limited online presence are partly due to the lack of capacity and resources. Many HEIs across the continent do not have a dedicated fundraising office or trained advancement staff. Investments in advancement training and infrastructure can help institutions unlock their fundraising potential not only by equipping advancement staff with skills and knowledge for success, but also by building stronger relationships with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders. Establishing long-term goals and strategies can also help guide the day-to-day activities and better manage ad hoc demands.
The white paper also highlights the importance of prioritizing alumni engagement. Alumni contributions to African universities remain an underutilized resource. A strong alumni program can help promote a sense of belonging among alumni and build lasting relationships with them.
The analysis notes that pre-alumni engagement matters as well. Research shows that student experience and satisfaction are key determinants of alumni giving. Many high schools in Africa have vibrant alumni networks, which can be a source of inspiration for HEIs.
It’s also important to not overlook everyday donors, the white paper notes. Showcasing stories of everyday donors and integrating philanthropy in curricula both have the potential to cultivate the culture of giving and to change the traditional perception of giving in Africa from being seen as a show of opulence to being promoted as a civic expression.
The full white paper and literature review are available at https://globalindices.indianapolis.iu.edu/additional-research/higher-education-and-philanthropy-in-sub-saharan-africa/donor-engagement.html
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University Indianapolis is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter),LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.