How Donors Can Ensure Their University Contributions Support Positive Change and Combat Antisemitism

As antisemitism grows on American college campuses, many donors worry about how their gifts might support discrimination against Jewish students. At StandWithUs, we frequently hear from donors who want to give responsibly. They want their contributions to reflect their values and provide a safe environment for Jewish students.

The good news? It’s possible, but it requires careful planning, oversight, and a readiness to confront pushback from universities.

Donors can influence how funds are used in many ways. Universities often adjust their policies based on donations, from naming rights to curriculum focus. Endowed professorships, for example, come with specific requirements about teaching areas or faculty qualifications. While this shapes academic life, it can also affect academic freedom.

Some donors have shared that universities sometimes refuse to include protections against antisemitism in their agreements. Officials may argue that these protections could infringe on free speech, but this is not the whole story. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Education required the University of Vermont to adopt a clear definition of antisemitism as part of a resolution agreement, showing that anti-discrimination measures can coexist with free speech.

To safeguard their values, donors have several strategies. Consider structuring gifts for gradual disbursement rather than giving a lump sum upfront. This approach keeps universities accountable over time. Donors can also include clawback clauses. These allow them to reclaim or redirect funds if universities ignore agreed-upon terms, such as tolerating antisemitic behavior. These measures are common and essential for responsible giving.

Additionally, donors can proactively support Jewish life and Israeli collaborations. For instance, a $1 million endowment at Rice University provides scholarships for non-U.S. veterans who appreciate the values of the Israel Defense Forces. The University of Florida offers scholarships for students pursuing careers in Jewish communal service. Clemson University has also partnered with institutions in Israel for joint research initiatives, demonstrating how donors can align their interests with university goals.

It’s crucial for donors to insist on detailed endowment agreements. This includes clearly defined purposes, eligibility criteria, and mechanisms for ongoing monitoring. Such safeguards help ensure that a donor’s intentions are respected over time.

One notable example highlights these stakes. A prominent Jewish donor once endowed a professorship in Jewish and Israeli studies, only to learn that the professor supported boycotting Israel. Thanks to precise contractual language and oversight, the university agreed to diversify the professor’s teaching responsibilities, showcasing how enforceable terms can create accountability.

In today’s landscape, well-meaning intentions are not enough. Universities should accept the necessity of antisemitism protections as standard practice, not an exception. Donors must be ready to reconsider their support if institutions refuse to honor their values.

Philanthropy holds significant power. With clarity, persistence, and smart legal terms, donors can ensure that their contributions support Jewish students and align with their beliefs.

This proactive stance on philanthropy can strengthen communities and uphold a commitment to diversity and inclusion on campuses.

For more insights on the issues facing Jewish students today, you can refer to resources like the Pew Research Center and their studies on social attitudes and discrimination.

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