Key Findings from the 26-University Principal Gift 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.

One finding

90% of principal gifts came from new wealth creation.

The study uncovered additional patterns in who makes transformational gifts, the relationships that precede them, and the institutional conditions surrounding them.

Venn diagram: Alumni Status vs. Proximity of $5M+ Donors (n=252). Alumni 73%, Neighbors 50%. Alumni only 39%, both 34%, neighbors only 16%. Either: 89%. Neither: 11%. Regional proximity means the donor lives within about 50 miles of campus at least half the year. 26-University Study, © 2026 Principal Gift Strategies LLC.

Pie chart: 11% of $5M gifts involved closely held assets (founder’s shares, stock not publicly traded, and related); the rest were conventional outright or planned gifts. 26-University Study, © 2026 Principal Gift Strategies LLC.

What do these findings mean for your principal gift pipeline?

The research now informs my work with institutions pursuing transformational gifts.

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About the study

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.