Cape Town, 6 April 2025 – In the context of South African universities facing persistent funding challenges, the latest research into philanthropic support for South African universities, which reveals that donor contributions grew to R1.81 billion, sees many breathing a sigh of relief.
Government funding for universities has been decreasing in real terms, and South African students and their families continue to experience financial difficulties. These include outstanding university debt, the loss of funding for some students previously supported by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and insufficient financial assistance for those not covered by NSFAS.
When Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) income was added to this philanthropic income, funding rose toR2,2 billion in the 2022 academic year.
This is according to the 10th Annual Survey of Philanthropy in Higher Education (ASPIHE) report, released by Inyathelo, The South African Institute for Advancement. The report builds on a decade-long series initiated in 2013, providing data and benchmarks for participating institutions and the sector.
This 2022 income, compared to R659 million raised in 2013, shows that universities have significantly enhanced their fundraising capabilities through a more professional and strategic approach, known as Advancement, says Feryal Domingo, acting executive director of Inyathelo.
“While the research dates back to the 2022 academic year, the current funding reality that many institutions of higher learning face, underscores the critical role, and more so now, that philanthropy plays in the independence of universities,” said Domingo.
The latest ASPIHE report also reflects a period of comparative stability and resilience, following a surge of support for universities in 2020, during the first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. Philanthropic income was R2.31 billion in 2020, nearly double 2019 funding.
Key findings from 2022
Philanthropic income and donor growth
- The number of donors more than doubled from 4,355 in 2013 to 8,087 in 2022, with the highest number of donors at a single institution reaching 2,034.
- South African donors provided 88% of philanthropic income in 2022, underscoring strong local support, consistent with 87% recorded in 2013.
- R440 million was the highest amount of philanthropic support received by a single institution in 2022, while the lowest was R10 million. The mean was R164 million, with the median R130 million.
2. Donor sectors
- Individual donors made up 71% of the total donor pool in 2022, maintaining their dominant role.
- Individuals, trusts, foundations, and the private sector collectively accounted for 83% of total philanthropic income.
3. Funding allocation
- Nearly half (47%) of 2022 philanthropic contributions were allocated to student funding, focusing on equity and access. Research, infrastructure and community engagement were also priorities.
- Expenditure ratios for several institutions surpassed international benchmarks, highlighting efficient use of resources.
4. Advancement staff
- Advancement office staff grew to 187 full-time and part-time positions in 2022, compared to 136 in 2013. Most staff (44%) were involved in development and fundraising, followed by support roles (29%) and alumni relations (27%).
The following universities took part in the 2022 survey: The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT); Durban University of Technology (DUT); Tshwane University of Technology (TUT); University of Cape Town (UCT); University of the Free State (UFS); University of Johannesburg (UJ); University of Pretoria (UP); University of Stellenbosch (SU); University of the Western Cape (UWC); University of the Witwatersrand (Wits); University of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Inyathelo has non-disclosure agreements with universities to protect institutional data and ensure transparency. Each institution receives a confidential benchmarking report, enabling them to compare their performance with their peers. Research data is sourced from audited annual financial statements.
Beverley Thaver, Professor of Higher Education Studies at the University of the Western Cape, and her research partner, Dr Mark Abrahams, undertook the research. The ASPIHE model aligns with global best practices promoted by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
“Our wish is that this research will be a valuable tool for universities’ planning and Advancement strategies. The data and critical insights enable institutions to make better-informed decisions on how to attract resources, and support their broader mission of transforming lives through education,” says Domingo.
“The findings underscore the importance of investing in Advancement, and the need to cultivate a diverse donor base.
“The pandemic has significantly changed how universities operate. The rise of online and hybrid learning has affected not only teaching, but also how universities approach fundraising. To effectively secure philanthropic support, universities must align their strategies with these changes.”
A copy of the report can be downloaded here:
Overview of philanthropic income and donors 2013 and 2022
2013 | 2022 | 2022 (including SETA) | |
Total income | R659 million | R 1.81 billion | R 2.22 billion |
Lowest | R2.7 million | R 10 million | R 31.4 million |
Highest | R181 million | R 460 million | R 472 million |
Mean | R66 million | R 164 million | R 202 million |
Median | R23 million | R 130 million | R 154 million |
Total donors | 4,355 | 8,087 | 8,174 |
Lowest | 9 | 61 | 80 |
Highest | 1,873 | 2,034 | 2,037 |
Mean | 436 | 735 | 743 |
Median | 102 | 238 | 256 |
Sample number | 10 | 11 | 11 |
Mean: The sum of a set of numbers divided by the total count of numbers in the set.
Median: The middle value in an ordered set of numbers, or the average of the two middle values if the set has an even count.
