Encoura and CampusESP Released Philanthropy Study
A new national report identifies the primary factors that drive family giving to higher education institutions.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Should universities prioritize building long-term family relationships to encourage charitable giving?
Encoura and CampusESP have released the 2026 National Study on family giving to higher education. The report analyzes data from over 8,300 family members to better understand their philanthropic motivations.
Why it matters
The study aims to help institutions understand how factors like trust, communication, and student success can be leveraged to strengthen engagement and charitable support from families.
The findings are based on a survey of 8,300 family members. This research specifically focuses on identifying the underlying drivers of financial support for universities.
The players
Encoura
Encoura is a data-driven educational research and services company that provides analytics for higher education institutions.
CampusESP
CampusESP is a platform focused on family engagement in higher education, helping colleges communicate effectively with parents and families.
The details
The report, titled Drivers of Family Giving: The 2026 National Study, highlights three central pillars of philanthropic behavior. It concludes that meaningful relationships, institutional trust, and observable student success are the primary catalysts for family contributions.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Encoura and CampusESP released the 2026 National Study.
Market Landscape
This study tracks with the broader shift toward student-centered philanthropic engagement models in higher education. By codifying these drivers, it provides a benchmark for institutions competing for donor attention in an increasingly crowded fundraising market.
For families, this research reflects a growing emphasis on transparency and communication from the institutions their students attend. Understanding these drivers may help supporters align their personal values more effectively with their charitable contributions to colleges.
The takeaway
Universities looking to increase support should focus on building long-term trust and fostering genuine relationships with families rather than relying solely on traditional outreach. Families interested in donating should consider how an institution communicates its impact on student success when deciding where to allocate their funds.
Further reading
For more information on trends in charitable giving, visit the Philanthropy section.
Live Poll
Should universities prioritize building long-term family relationships to encourage charitable giving?
