At Stronger Consulting, we firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of a brighter future. However, for non-profit education organizations, realizing their vision and creating a meaningful impact relies heavily on financial support from generous individuals, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic entities.
Strategic fundraising goes beyond mere donation solicitation; it involves crafting a thoughtful plan that aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives. By identifying potential donors strategically, designing compelling campaigns, and forming meaningful partnerships, non-profit education companies can secure the necessary resources to create lasting change in the lives of learners.
Key Findings from Grantmakers for Education’s Study
This newsletter features some key insights from Grantmakers for Education’s (EdFunders) latest study on trends in education philanthropy. Their research aims to provide valuable insight into the education funding community’s priorities and the role of funders in supporting innovative education initiatives for the benefit of our nation’s learners. The study is based on survey responses representing 142 grant-making organizations, with 70% of them being EdFunders members.
Big Picture Trends in Education Philanthropy
Since the previous benchmarking survey in 2018, our nation has encountered various challenges, including a global pandemic and a reevaluation of systems that have historically disadvantaged communities of color and underserved populations. From this survey, three significant trends have emerged, impacting major focus areas in education philanthropy:
• Addressing Social-Emotional Needs: Funders are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing learners’ social-emotional needs, including trauma and the negative impacts of racial injustice. Investments in social and emotional learning, mental health, and trauma-informed care, along with wraparound social service support for children and families, have been identified as key priorities.
• Concerns about the Politicization of Education: The polarization of American politics has had a substantial impact on the educational environment, especially at the K-12 level. Respondents ranked the politicization of education as the primary factor likely to have a negative impact on education in the next five years.
• Desire for Education System Overhaul: More than two-thirds of respondents indicated their commitment to fund educational system redesign and transformation, making it the most commonly funded area among 37 priority areas in the survey. However, respondents’ perspectives on what constitutes system redesign vary, with some advocating for fundamental re-examination and others envisioning specific reforms within the existing system.
Trends in Philanthropic Practice in Education
The study also explored three key areas of philanthropic practice:
1. Advancing Education Equity: Respondents highlighted the significance of addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion as key trends likely to positively impact education in the coming years. Nearly all respondents focus on historically underserved populations in their funding, with definitions of equity ranging from culturally responsive practices to systemic change.
2. Public Policy and Advocacy: Despite a favorable environment at the federal level, the local policy landscape faces challenges due to the politicization of education. While more than half of respondents support public policy and advocacy as part of their strategy to strengthen education, the local level’s challenges may impact the effectiveness of these efforts.
3. Funder Collaboration: Collaboration remains a strong focus for funders, with 91% of respondents engaging in some form of collaborative activity. However, there is room for growth in funding levels for collaborative initiatives.
Trends in Education Giving
The study assessed education giving across four categories:
1. Early Learning: Funders have increased their focus on early learning, recognizing its significance in shaping lifelong learning outcomes.
2. K-12 Education: Funders are prioritizing educational system redesign and transformation over core academics as a response to challenges brought on by the pandemic.
3. Postsecondary and Career Pathways: Supporting historically marginalized students’ access to postsecondary education remains a top priority.
4. Beyond Classrooms and Schools: Funders are increasingly invested in embracing a whole-learner approach and out-of-school time support to ensure holistic learner development
If your organization needs fundraising assistance or seeks to improve its educational initiatives, we’re here to support you! Let’s collaborate and strategize to tailor our expertise to your specific needs.
Set up a time to meet today and together, we’ll build a stronger foundation for education, empowering learners for a brighter future.
