Gifts to Harvard Top Other Schools

Harvard University receives more funds than any other academic institution in the country, according to a list released by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Harvard is eighth among not-for-profit corporations throughout the nation.

The University netted more than $289 million in private support and a total income of more than $1.7 billion.

The Salvation Army received more funds than any other non-profit organization in the U.S. with total private support of over $725 million.

"Harvard was number one and that pleases us, but we're always aware that there's more to be done," said David C. Johnson, director of operations in the University Development Office.

The list published by the journal ranked the top 400 charities in the United States today, 151, of which are colleges and universities.

"The College puts a lot of effort into fundraising and this year's goal was the highest ever," said a member of the Development Office staff, who would not give her name.

The University is currently in the middle of a five-year $2.1 billion capital campaign, the largest fundraising drive in the history of academia.

"Harvard has very loyal alumni who are devoted to the school," said the staff member. "The College produces leaders in business and government who are interested in perpetuating the kind of education they received here."

As one of the top ten charities, Harvard stands in the company of major fundraising foundations, including the American Red Cross, YMCA and the American Cancer Society.

"Harvard has always been number one in many areas but in corporate fundraising it hasn't been," said a member of the Development Office staff, adding that this year has been exceptional in that regard.

Other colleges towards the top of the list were the University of Pennsylvania with $260 million in private support, Stanford University with $226 million, the University of Southern California with $223 million, and Yale University with $184 million.