This monograph examines the philanthropic contributions of individuals through the existing literature and proposes future philanthropic and fundraising research that can help fill the theoretical void in the literature, thereby improving future research and fundraising in higher education. It covers the major approaches, topics, and theories regarding philanthropy and fundraising from individuals to postsecondary education in the United States. Students, practitioners, and researchers are introduced to several key points, among them the centrality of private giving in shaping the development and diversity of U.S. higher education; the role of donors as an external force shaping research, campus intellectual life, and culture; the role of philanthropy in access; and leading philanthropic theories from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and economics. This monograph is organized into nine chapters. The chapter "The Influence of Philanthropy on American Higher Education" provides examples that show how individual philanthropy has influenced American higher education. It discusses how private support affects what is taught and researched and who gained access to higher education. "Who Is Philanthropic? Philanthropy by Nontraditional Donors" explores the emerging literature on the philanthropic traditions of groups that have historically been seen as "takers" but actually have long been civically responsible citizens and residents who "give back." "Women and Philanthropy" looks at women's giving. "What Guides the Study of Philanthropy and Fundraising?" explores the theoretical underpinnings, interpretive frameworks, and motivations for philanthropic action. This chapter reviews the most prominent theories from the disciplines of economics, psychology, and sociology in the philanthropic literature as applied to higher education. "Engaging Students and Young Alumni: The Importance of Cultivating the Next Generation of Donors" looks at the process of engaging these groups in prosocial behavior. This chapter looks at the scholarship that investigates how institutions might instill a culture of giving among their students, their future alumni donors. The importance of engaging students in fundraising programs and even as donors early in their careers is explored. "Who Gives?" looks critically at philanthropy, in particular giving to higher education. With the creation of Ph.D. and bachelor's degree programs in philanthropic studies and with more researchers looking at philanthropy from a critical perspective, the research is expanding. The final chapter, "Conclusion and Challenges for Future Research," recommends future research and practice. Two appendices conclude the monograph, the first covering the mechanics of fundraising and the second resources for philanthropic research. (Contains 2 exhibits, 1 figure, 8 notes, and name and subject indexes.)