Harvard fundraising slumps after antisemitism controversy

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New York Post political reporter Jon Levine reacts to antisemitic stickers being placed around Harvard University’s campus during an appearance on ‘Varney & Co.’

Donations to Harvard University and its endowment declined by a little more than $150 million in the Ivy League institution's 2024 fiscal year amid backlash toward the administration's handling of antisemitism on campus.

Total donations were down by $151 million, or 14%, in fiscal 2024 from the prior year. Within that total, donations to Harvard's endowment fell by nearly $193 million from a year ago, while donations for current use gifts increased by $42 million in that time frame. 

The decline followed calls for the resignation of campus leaders who were criticized for allowing antisemitic protests to persist on campus after Hamas' attack on Israel.

The Harvard Crimson noted that it represents «one of the most significant year-over-year drops in donations in the past decade.» The outlet interviewed Harvard President Alan Garber, who had warned alumni earlier this year about lackluster fundraising figures.

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Harvard saw a notable decline in donations in its past fiscal year. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

«Some of the new commitments have been disappointing compared to past years,» Garber told the newspaper. «There are also some indications that we will see improvements in the future.»

Garber told the outlet Harvard's alumni and donor base is «reassured by the direction that the university is taking» and they are «relieved, at least that, so far, this academic year has been somewhat quieter.»

Harvard's annual financial report warned that its current fundraising levels