Key Findings from the 26-University Principal Gifts Study

The largest gifts were not random.

Across 252 gifts of $5M+ from living individual donors, clear patterns emerged around new wealth creation, proximity, leadership access, prior generosity, and institutional readiness.

These findings inform the 4 x 90 Lens™, the Principal Gift System Review, and the Top 5 Strategy Review.

What the study suggests

New wealth behaves differently.
Proximity matters more than most institutions think.
Board access becomes increasingly important at $25M+ and $50M+.
The largest gifts are often institutional, not unit-specific.
At $50M, the President isn't optional.

New wealth creation among principal gift donors in the 26-University Study

Board service among $50M+ donors in the 26-University Study

Who are the $50M donors in the 26-University Study

Venn diagram showing that 95% of $50M+ donors were alumni, neighbors, or had a life connection

Multi-unit key finding infographic from the 26-University Principal Gift Study

Closely held assets key finding infographic from the 26-University Principal Gift Study

Principal gifts require a system, supporting your strongest relationship-building.

Talk with us about your principal gift program

The 26-University Principal Gift Study examined 252 gifts of $5M+ made by living individuals to universities from 2024–2026. The sample included major public and private universities, highly ranked small colleges, and institutions across the United States. Two major universities outside the U.S. also participated.

With special thanks to Sasha Villacis, Inspiring Philanthropy, for survey design and project management.

© 2026 Principal Gift Strategies LLC. All rights reserved.
You are welcome to share these findings with colleagues for informational purposes, with attribution to Principal Gift Strategies LLC. External publication, formal redistribution, or commercial use requires prior written permission.