Private support for higher education is one of the great achievements of American philanthropy. At least 10 of the world’s 20 best universities bear the names of private American citizens who have used their wealth to create world-class institutions of higher learning. The Spring 2012 issue of Philanthropy magazine investigates some of today’s leading philanthropy in support of higher education. To provide a more extensive look at the topic, here are some articles from the Philanthropy archives on giving to colleges and universities.
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“Intellectual Capital” by Evan Sparks, Spring 2011 issue
Meet donors making the case for free enterprise on campus.
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“The Old College Try” by Evan Sparks Spring 2010 issue
By focusing on students at risk of dropping out, donors are finding ways to improve college graduation rates.
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“Bringing Civic Education Back to Campus” by Scott Walter, Winter 2009 issue
Higher education has too long ignored serious inquiry into America’s past and principles. It’s a problem that many donors are looking to fix.
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“F. M. Kirby Foundation” by Marshall Allen, Fall 2008 issue
Significant contributions to higher education, including support of medical research at the University of Pennsylvania, from one foundation.
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“Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation” by Justin Torres, Spring 2008 issue
The Koch Foundation is teaching the principles of free enterprise to the nonprofit leaders of tomorrow.
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“Maximizing Higher Education Reform” by Michael Leaser, November / December 2007 issue
Three foundations unite to sponsor the Center for Excellence in Higher Education.
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“Promoting Ideas and Defending Freedom” by John J. Miller, September / October 2007 issue
How the American Studies Center is filling a public need for public discourse and knowledge of American history.
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“Let Freedom Reign” by Russell K. Nieli, March / April 2007 issue
Gary Gerst is fighting ideological intolerance at Duke with his academic program on the history of freedom.
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“Planting Seeds of Liberty” by James Piereson, May / June 2005 issue
An experienced donor discusses how best to fund academic programs.
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“Build It and They Will Come!” by Stephen Balch, May / June 2005 issue
The founding president of the National Association of Scholars looks at efforts to revive academic diversity and analyzes the challenges in this national campaign for change.
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“Liberty Fund” by Evan Sparks, Summer 2010 issue
How the Liberty Fund fulfills its founder’s vision of “the preservation, restoration, and development of individual liberty” through Socratic conferences, discussions, and online resources.