New gifts to college endowments fell 9.2% in fiscal 2025 to just under $14 billion, with some colleges suffering steeper declines in donations, according to a study of over 650 institutions from the National Association of College and University Business Officers and asset management firm Commonfund. How can private philanthropy help shore up the funding gaps facing colleges and universities, causing them to have to use the money in their endowments more in 2025?
Education shapes opportunity, from nurturing early learning to higher education that builds critical thinking and career skills. Yet student success depends on more than classrooms—it’s influenced by teachers, curriculum, out-of-school programs, and equity of access. By understanding these complexities, you can make more informed choices about where to give, volunteer, and advocate.
Choosing a nonprofit to support can be overwhelming, even for someone who gives often. To help, we’ve highlighted a few trusted, Giving Compass-vetted nonprofits to guide your giving. Want more options? Use Guide to Good to search by issue, location, or budget—and turn on the vetted filter to find organizations you can trust.
Did you know? People who use Guide to Good are 2x more likely to give back to their communities.
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