Mega-Gifts ($1 Million Or More) Most Often Go To ...

Mega-Gifts ($1 million or more) most often go to colleges and universities. Religious organizations, services for the needy, and umbrella campaigns are the big losers, according to the Institute for Jewish & Community Research’s report, Mega-Gifts in American Philanthropy: Giving Patterns 2001-2003. Higher education received 37% of gifts and 44% of dollars. For gifts of $10 million or more, higher ed receives 46% of gifts and 47% of dollars. Health and medical causes received 14% of gifts of $10 million or more. Religion and federated appeals received just 3%of gifts, and 2% of dollars. 55% of dollars came from private foundations, 28% from individuals, 8% from corporations, and 9% from community foundations, donor advised funds, anonymous gifts and miscellaneous sources. (ReligionNews.com 12/13/07)