Religion, motivation, and philanthropy to higher education

This dissertation investigated the motivations of major donors to public higher education. A qualitative design was constructed and a sample of twenty-five major donors of {dollar}1,000,000 or more to the University of Michigan were interviewed. Two uncommon topics in philanthropic motivation were broached: the role of higher education and religion in major donor philanthropy.; Summary of key findings. Major donors appreciate higher education's unique role in society, especially its formative impact in sustaining American competitiveness and democratic values. Graduates from the University of Michigan cited the quality of the experience, faculty members serving as mentors, and extracurricular experiences as critical reasons for their appreciation of the University. Scholarships were of particular importance as they generated a sense of gratitude. Non-alumni donors cited the impact that the University has on the local community and within the state of Michigan as among reasons for contributing.; Philanthropists expect a high level of professional (institutional) service. Executive committees are excellent opportunities for major donor volunteer involvement, as volunteerism is closely linked with giving. Issues of stewardship (e.g., internal reports) and opportunities for major donors to witness how their gifts are applied are expected. Demographic factors encouraging major donor generosity included age, discretionary income, tax benefits and geographical location. Senior development officers play a critical role in encouraging philanthropy.; The influence of family as an incubator for compassion and empathy emerged as a critical theme. Difficult life experiences had a very positive effect as they engendered a set of values including hard work, expectation of little and gratitude for opportunities, especially educational ones. Descriptive emotions included gratitude, obligation, compassion and selfishness.; Religion plays a variable role in major donor philanthropy. Donors from a Jewish background linked directly Judaism and their giving. Religion had an indirect effect for Christians and either a residual effect or no noticeable impact for the nonaffiliated. Religions which are closely linked to an ethnic world view have a great impact in distilling philanthropic values. Women play a particularly important role in stressing religion in the family. A discussion of the spirituality of philanthropy concludes the dissertation.