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The Rise of Next-Gen Philanthropists

Altrata recently published its University Alumni Report 2025, providing a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of philanthropy among the ultra wealthy. This report is particularly notable for highlighting the emergence of a new generation of donors—self-made individuals, particularly in their under-50 demographic, who are redefining giving back to their alma maters and communities.

Key Findings

One of the most striking insights from the report is the substantial increase in the ultra wealthy population, which saw a 13% rise from 2023 to 2024. Altrata classifies ultra wealthy individuals as those with a net worth exceeding $30 million. The report categorizes wealthy donors into three distinct groups:

1. Self-Made Tech Entrepreneurs: An impressive 95% of wealthy alumni who carved their paths in the tech sector view education as one of their top philanthropic priorities. Notably, one in five of these donors is under 50 years old, indicating a significant presence of younger generations in influential positions.

2. Mission-Driven Women: Women alumni engaged in philanthropic endeavors are leaning heavily towards mission-driven giving. Interestingly, 25% of wealthy female alumni focus their efforts on nonprofit and social causes, which is over four times the rate of their male peers. This trend suggests a cultural shift towards social responsibility and impactful giving, particularly among the younger female demographic.

3. Millennial and Gen Z Graduates: These younger graduates are often seen as the future of philanthropy, with a focus on both technology and finance sectors. Contrary to popular belief that tech entrepreneurs dominate, it is revealed that banking and finance are the primary industries where Millennial and Gen Z are stemming their wealth, active in educational giving.

Moreover, the data indicated that technology is becoming increasingly influential among those who graduated in the past two decades, with 10% identifying this sector as their main industry—twice the percentage of older alumni.

Top Universities Producing Wealthy Alumni

Altrata's report also ranked US universities based on their ultra-high net worth alumni. Harvard led the pack with an estimated 18,000 UHNW alumni, which accounts for roughly 4% of the global ultra wealthy population. Following Harvard are:

• - University of Pennsylvania: With about 9,300 UHNW alumni, bolstered by its prestigious Wharton School.
• - Stanford University: Ranking third with approximately 8,400 UHNW alumni, reflecting its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

These elite institutions play a crucial role in shaping high-value alumni networks, enhancing their ability to secure support for future endeavors and partnerships.

Implications for Universities

Brian Alster, CEO of Altrata, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that they challenge long-held assumptions about alumni giving, especially among younger generations. He noted that data-driven segmentation of alumni is essential for universities to identify potential donors and build meaningful relationships.

As educational institutions work to enhance their fundraising strategies, they must adopt targeted, data-driven engagement approaches to successfully connect with this new wave of philanthropists.

By tapping into the motivations and behaviors of these emerging donors, universities can cultivate long-lasting partnerships that yield significant support for their initiatives. Altrata's findings provide a roadmap for development teams looking to unlock new donor pipelines and solidify their strategies against the shifting landscape of philanthropy.

In conclusion, Altrata's University Alumni Report 2025 serves as a vital resource for understanding the changing dynamics of alumni giving, underscoring the importance of adapting to the desires of the next generation of philanthropists. As we witness a continued rise in the wealthy, self-made, and mission-driven alumni, the potential for impactful philanthropic growth is not only promising but essential for the future of educational funding and community support.