Columbia University Faces Donation Drop After Anti-Israel Protests: A Donor Crisis Emerges

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Columbia University has experienced a significant drop in donations following a series of anti-Israel protests on campus earlier this year. According to a report in The New York Post, the prestigious Ivy League university’s annual fundraiser, known as “Giving Day,” raised $21.4 million in 2024—nearly 29% less than the $30 million it garnered in 2022. Additionally, the number of gifts fell sharply, dropping from 19,229 in 2022 to 13,870 in 2024, marking the lowest figure since 2015. The stark decline has been attributed to a growing “donor crisis,” which, as The Columbia Spectator reported, stems from concerns about the university’s handling of campus protests.

Donations to Columbia University plummet after anti-Israel Gaza camp protests – EVOL – https://t.co/IRinhL7PSO

— evol.news (@evol_news) October 7, 2024

The 2023 Giving Day was postponed due to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the wave of protests that erupted on campus afterward. These protests, many of which were heavily critical of Israel, triggered backlash from alumni and donors who felt that the university had not adequately addressed the intensity of the demonstrations. As The New York Post reported, Columbia has been grappling with criticism over its response to these protests, leading many donors to reconsider their financial contributions to the university.

Before this year’s steep decline, donations to Columbia had been steadily increasing for a decade. However, 2024 saw the most significant drop in both the total amount raised and the number of gifts. While Columbia’s athletics department raised a record-breaking $4.6 million—its highest ever—other key departments saw a notable dip. Columbia College, which had held the top spot for 11 consecutive years, dropped to second place, raising $3.5 million, as per the information provided in The New York Post report. Meanwhile, the School of Engineering and Applied Science secured third place with $3.2 million in donations.

In response to the fundraising shortfall, a Columbia spokesperson acknowledged the dedication of the university’s donor base, emphasizing the importance of alumni, parents, and friends in supporting the institution. “Columbia is fortunate to have a dedicated community of alumni, parents and friends who recognize the impact their financial donations, volunteer time, talents, advice, and mentoring make in assisting students and supporting the mission of the university and its schools,” the spokesperson said, as quoted by The New York Post. The spokesperson added that donor support remains crucial to the continued success of the university, expressing gratitude for their contributions.

Despite the spokesperson’s reassurances, the university is facing mounting pressure to address the concerns of its donor base, particularly in the wake of its handling of the anti-Israel protests. These demonstrations, which resumed as the 2024-2025 school year began, have been a flashpoint for criticism, particularly from alumni and donors who view the protests as divisive, The New York Post report said. Columbia University, along with other Ivy League institutions, was also investigated by the U.S. Department of Education in December 2023 for potential civil rights violations under Title VI, further intensifying the scrutiny the university faces.

The protests, which saw demonstrators clash over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have sparked heated debate on Columbia’s campus and beyond. Critics of the university’s administration have accused it of failing to take a firm stance against anti-Semitic rhetoric during the protests, while others argue that the university should do more to protect free speech and allow for diverse viewpoints. This balancing act has proven difficult for Columbia, as it navigates the line between free expression and maintaining a supportive environment for all students.

As donations plummet, Columbia University must now grapple with the financial and reputational consequences of these controversies. The decline in funding is particularly concerning for an institution that relies on its alumni network for financial support and mentorship opportunities for students.

Columbia’s ability to address this “donor crisis,” as The Columbia Spectator called it, will likely shape its future fundraising efforts and its relationship with its broader community of supporters. The next steps taken by the university in dealing with the protests, the ongoing investigation, and its handling of civil rights concerns could determine whether it can reverse the trend of declining donations or face further financial challenges in the years to come.