Year
2025
Season
Spring
Paper Type
Doctoral Dissertation
College
Silverfield College of Education and Human Services
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)
Department
Education
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. Department of Leadership, School Counseling & Sports Management
Committee Chairperson
Dr. David Hoppey
Second Advisor
Dr. Dan Dinsmore
Third Advisor
Dr. Amanda Pascale
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Lee Anderson Louy
Department Chair
Dr. David Hoppey
College Dean
Stephen Dittmore
Abstract
As technology continues to advance, and alumni donor numbers decline, fundraising professionals are exploring new ways to encourage alumni to give back to their alma mater and continue building a strong donor pipeline. With a myriad of economic and political factors contributing to increased and inflated costs for colleges and universities, and students alike, maintaining a steady pipeline of donors to ensure ongoing philanthropic support is important. As budgetary concerns and funding cuts continue to work their way into the higher education landscape, college and university annual giving departments are increasingly tasked with exploring student philanthropy programs (SPPs) on campus to help build their next generation of donors.
The purpose of this study is to understand undergraduate students’ perceptions of philanthropy and motivating factors in inclination to give to help build and enhance SPPs across college and university campuses to generate a fresh pipeline of alumni donors for future generations. Data was collected using a mixed methodology including Qualtrics survey data from 235 respondents and 11 semi-structured interviews from undergraduate students at the University of North Florida. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and thematic analysis. Using an explanatory sequential approach, the quantitative data findings of membership or affinity being a significant variable in inclination to give was supported by qualitative data findings. The discussion includes findings, implications, limitations and recommendations for future research.
Suggested Citation
Herrington, Kristine, "Undergraduate students' perceptions of philanthropy, importance of affinity-based giving and impact on student giving" (2025). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1347.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1347