Correspondence: Eve Proper, Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, Box 414 – GPC, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37212, USA. E-mail: eve.proper@vanderbilt.edu

¹is a doctoral candidate at Vanderbilt University.

²is Associate Dean for external relations and professional education and a lecturer in public policy and higher education at Vanderbilt University.

³is Senior Vice President at the Council of Independent Colleges.

⁴is Vice President of University Advancement at Biola University.

Abstract

This study examines institution-specific factors that are within the control of the advancement office and that predict fundraising efficiency and total dollars raised. Using data from the Council of Independent Colleges and IPEDS, fundraising outcomes are examined at private colleges in the United States. Most of the variables of interest are not statistically significant, with the exception of staff size, which is positively correlated with dollars raised. Institutional age and endowment size positively affect dollars raised; student body size positively affects efficiency.