Reimagining alumni engagement: using administrative data for inclusive philanthropy

Chase D. McNamee

Chapter 11 in Advancing Research in Philanthropy and Education, 2025, pp 226-245 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter explores the impactful yet often overlooked role of administrative data in more inclusive higher education philanthropy. Institutional advancement departments use vast amounts of donor and alumni data, including demographics, giving histories, and event participation, to drive decision-making and strategy. This data can be collected and used in intentional ways to challenge traditional practices in institutional advancement. Using findings from McNamee and Drezner (2022), this chapter analyzes factors influencing the timing of alumni's first donations, focusing on characteristics like race, gender, and student involvement. The findings challenge traditional wealth-centric views of philanthropy, showing that alumni from diverse backgrounds are often among the most engaged, earliest donors. This chapter advocates for a more inclusive approach to alumni engagement and underscores the need for continued improvement in data collection practices to enhance institutional understanding and outreach.

Keywords: Philanthropy; Administrative Data; Inclusivity; Diversity; Alumni (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781789904093
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