Home
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Philanthropy Impact Report
2023
Dear Friends,
It is with great pride and gratitude that I present the inaugural GW Philanthropy Impact Report.
The astonishing results in this report reflect investments from individuals, families, foundations and government agencies in the transformative power of GW. Working together we are developing extraordinary talent in a city that leads the world.
GW’s strength was recently validated by our invitation to join the Association of American Universities (AAU), an elite group of the top 71 higher education research institutions. That designation was made possible through the hard work of our staff and faculty and through the trust you have placed in GW’s capacity to lead.
Together we have a brighter future, as you will see in the pages of this report. I am honored to introduce you to some of the many donors who are transforming generosity into lasting, powerful change.
We are stronger together.
For GW,
Donna Arbide
Vice President, Development & Alumni Relations
I look forward to discussing and exploring your personal philanthropic passions. I may be reached directly at [email protected] or 202-994-1058.
$132M+ raised in FY23 —
the third highest fundraising year in GW's history.
Donor support helped...
Recruit and retain a talented faculty
80% increase in annual average support for faculty positions during FY21-23 over FY18-20.
Secure GW’s
future
107% increase in the average annual contribution to GW’s endowment in FY21-23 over FY18-20.
Increase access to higher education
$27M raised for student scholarships and fellowships in 2022-23—GW’s strongest grassroots support for scholarships in a decade.
Advance ground-breaking research
$28M provided by donors and private organizations in FY23 for research and innovation.
Build a strong community
3,200+ donors came together on GW Giving Day to support people, places and programs at GW, raising $1.2 million. Donor count has increased nearly 50% since GW’s first Giving Day in 2021.
3,400+
new donors in FY23.
10,000
GW Loyal donors supported GW for 2 or more consecutive years.
A CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY
A Day of Giving, A World of Difference
Giving Day is a new tradition uniting our global GW community
From Washington, D.C. to Shanghai, there’s one day that brings the global GW community together to Raise High—GW Giving Day. Giving Day 2023 broke the university’s record for the highest number of donations in 24 hours uniting 3,200+ donors from all 50 states and 30 countries to support the programs, people, and places at GW that matter most to them. Athletics had the most donors for the third year in a row and was first to reach their goal in 2023.
Donors supported nearly 200 funds and offered more than 65 matching gifts and giving challenges to encourage participation—because generosity is contagious.
“Giving Day reminds our community that every donor matters to GW,” said Daniel Burgner, executive director of annual giving. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate what can happen when alumni, staff, students, families and faculty work together. I am so excited to see the Giving Day tradition grow as a way to show our pride
in this university.”
The average gift on GW Giving Day is less than $100, and $3.8 million has been raised on Giving Day since 2021.
Donors contribute to GW every day, but Giving Day is a special tradition to celebrate GW’s philanthropic spirit.
Over 200 years ago GW’s first fundraiser, Luther Rice, lobbied Congress and raised the funds needed to create GW. Today, thousands support GW with gifts of every size, and the Luther Rice Society honors those who contribute $1,000+.
Learn more: go.gwu.edu/getinvolved
View, download, and send the report as a PDF*
*Data as of July 1, 2023
Contact Us
202-994-6415
@gwalumni