Institutions can capitalize on the ties alumni and friends have to a particular unit of the university. The question of how to organize fund-raising efforts both to take advantage of this loyalty and to get individual units more involved is discussed. Four models are described. (MLW)

A blended system strikes a balance between centralized and decentralized fund-raising. Fund-raising should concentrate on serving the needs of people, not just on raising dollars. (MLW)

A panel of five leaders in college advancement discusses what advancement services are, their mission, integration of fundraising and information services, the role of the advancement services manager in senior administration, advancement services as a profession, professional information exchange, and future directions for advancement services.…

College advancement services can take the burden of many financial and analytical functions off the shoulders of development officers. Centralizing development-related financial functions can streamline clerical tasks and improve efficiency, consistency, continuity, accessibility of expertise, and capacity. Proficiency in a wide range of financial…

Every college should have a campuswide computer publishing policy. Policy options include (1) centralized publishing; (2) franchise, with a number of units doing their own publishing; or (3) limited, with the publications office producing the basics and assisting other units when feasible. To be successful, the policy must also be enforced. (MSE)

A centralized records database for advancement services saves time, money, and confusion. The centralized advancement services model works best when fundraisers and technical supporters work together in planning and setting strategy as well as on specific requests, concentrating on the same priorities. (MSE)

Five college and university fund-raising professionals discuss ways in which uncoordinated solicitations of gifts from the same prospective donor(s) by different schools or departments can be avoided by planning, coordination, and communication. Advantages and disadvantages of centralized and decentralized administrative approaches are considered.…

Both centralized and decentralized college or university development programs have advantages, depending on the nature and needs of the institution. Changing program structure may have consequences that reach far beyond fund-raising details. A survey of 10 institutions revealed some common characteristics and many hybrid forms of organization.…

Advancement services, the group of functions that support fundraising and alumni relations, has evolved to include donor relations and stewardship, data processing analysis and programing, budget development and analysis, and event management. Centralizing these services under a single manager can lead to greater productivity. (MSE)

College and university fund-raising programs that combine some characteristics of centralization and some of decentralization can be very successful and also pose unique administrative challenges, as illustrated in the experiences of a number of diverse institutions. Collaboration and clear communication are keys to effective administration. (MSE)