In this Issue

1. Mega-Gifts in Jewish Philanthropy

2. Mega-Gifts in American Philanthropy

3. Center for Excellence in Higher Education

New Publication
Mega-Gifts in Jewish Philanthropy:
Giving Patterns 2001-2003
By Gary A. Tobin and Aryeh Weinberg

While Jewish organizations do a reasonable job attracting smaller mega-gifts, those from $1-2 million, they are failing dramatically to attract the biggest gifts that Jews make to non-profits. The trends over eight years are remarkably consistent - Jewish mega-gifts exceeding $10 million to Jewish organizations were rare eight years ago and remain notably infrequent. This report presents findings from our new study on mega-giving analyzing over 1,000 Jewish mega-gifts of $1 million or more made between 2001-2003.

Press Release
Download Report
List of Jewish Mega-Gifts 2001-2003

Study Finds that Jewish Charities Missing Out on Biggest Donations
By Jacob Berkman, January 8, 2008, JTA
The Institute for Jewish & Community Research

New York (JTA) -- Jewish organizations are generally failing to attract financial support from America's wealthiest and most philanthropic Jews, according to a report by the Institute for Jewish and Community Research.

Maximizing Higher Education Reform
By Michael Leaser, December 17, 2007, Philanthropy: A Publication of the Philanthropy Roundtable

American universities are in crisis, so contend three foundations concerned about a higher education system that often stifles free inquiry, undermines high standards, and devalues aspects of American economic life, history, and culture that have made the United States an intellectually vibrant and materially prosperous nation.

Read on...