3 Data Insights from Higher Ed Advancement Shops

Over the past decade, EAB’s Advancement Benchmarking initiative (formerly known as the Advancement Investment and Performance Initiative, or AIPI) has uncovered key drivers of successful fundraising, with staffing consistently emerging as a critical factor. In 2023, our latest analysis revealed additional insights that set high-ROI advancement shops apart, emphasizing the need for strategic staffing, efficient gift cultivation, and a deep understanding of shifting giving patterns.

The findings on this page explore how top-performing institutions leverage staffing to significantly enhance their outcomes, excel in major gift throughput, and navigate a challenging fundraising landscape. By understanding these dynamics, higher ed advancement professionals can make informed decisions that drive growth and success at their institutions.

Scroll to explore the findings below, or jump to the section you’re most interested in:

1. Increased investment and staffing drive fundraising production
2. High ROI shops prioritize major gift volume and high-net-worth prospects
3. $1M+ gift bands drive modest fundraising decline in 2023