Schools and universities: What can they teach each other about fundraising?

Schools: building a culture of regular giving

UK education fundraising is increasingly defined by two contrasting dynamics. The IDPE (advancement association for schools) has just released its 2026 Benchmarking Report. This shows strong development delivery despite operational pressures. Schools are achieving £3.6 raised for every £1 spent, philanthropy now contributes 6% of total income. Giving days continue to outperform traditional events, generating £3.9m from just 35 offices compared with £1.1m raised by 51 event‑led programmes. Donor behaviour is shifting too: 72% of offices now have more than 10% of donors giving monthly. Leadership engagement is rising, 26% of Heads dedicated over 10% of their time to development. The best-performing schools are strengthening recurring giving and participation, while recognising the ROI of major gifts.

Universities: strong results, concentrated support

Universities are delivering high value but concentrated growth. CASE’s latest Insights report shows £1.55bn in new philanthropic funds committed in 2024–25, only the second time the sector has surpassed £1.5bn. Yet this is less than 3% of total income to the sector and success leans heavily on principal gifts: the top three donations account for 31.6% of new funds, fewer than 1% of alumni gave, and advancement teams face capacity pressures even as institutions invest £236.4m and employ 2,895 FTE to sustain returns.

What can schools and universities learn from each other?

The challenge ahead lies in bigger universities finding a way to adopt the agility, community resonance and donor experience focus you might also find in smaller communities like Oxbridge Colleges and specialist institutions; and for schools to learn from universities’ track record in higher value transformative giving.

Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE) (2026). Schools’ Fundraising and Engagement Benchmarking Report 2026. Available at: idpe.org.uk/benchmarking.