Getting Megagifts to the Neediest Causes


 

Publication Date: May 2003

Publisher: Chronicle of Philanthropy

Author(s): Gary A. Tobin

Research Area: Banking and finance

Keywords: Higher Education; Fundraising and Philanthropy; Allocations

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author argues that mega-gifts (defined as $10 million or more) are going to the most prestigious organizations rather than the neediest. The largest recipients of mega-gifts are higher education, health, and arts and culture organizations. The author challenges assumptions that mega-donors make about where their largest gifts should go and offers thoughts on changing the current culture.