Chief fundraising officers at technical colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia face complex challenges, including scarce resources, small staff sizes, and a lack of formal training. The purpose of the study was to understand how chief fundraising officers use self-directed learning experiences and learning projects to build…

The use of personal student success stories as an advocacy tool provides a sense of reality for those of influence. In the case of community colleges, sharing stories of students overcoming adverse circumstances provides context to those who have never experienced community colleges or students' lives, including the depth and breadth of life…

November 2012 was an anxious time for California community colleges. Proposition 30 promised to stop the bleeding of funds from the state's 112 two-year career and technical institutions--if voters would pass it. That was a big if, especially in California, where voters are notoriously tax averse. When the measure passed with 54 percent of the…

For nearly as long as students, teachers, and community members have been adopting social media--more than a decade--community college leaders have sought ways to harness the power of online applications to improve fundraising and advocacy efforts. Dedicated Facebook pages and Twitter feeds were among the most logical starting points--if a college…

The inaugural Advancement Investment Metrics Study, or AIMS, benchmarked investments and staffing in each of the advancement disciplines (advancement services, alumni relations, communications and marketing, fundraising and advancement management) as well as the return on the investment in fundraising specifically. This white paper reports on the…

It is a wonderful surprise when an executor calls to inform that one's college has been remembered in an individual's estate, either for a future gift or one that is being distributed. Leaving this legacy often enriches the final years of a donor's life. But too often, these opportunities are left to chance because community college development…

Keeping up with alumni has always been tough for community colleges. It's not unusual for students to transfer to other institutions and leave the area, or to attend school briefly only to be swallowed up again by the workforce. Fortunately, a new breed of social media is making alumni outreach easier. And colleges are taking advantage. This…

There's an urban legend which holds that community college graduates who go on to earn degrees at other institutions develop a stronger loyalty to the college that granted their highest degree. Perpetuating this legend is a limiting belief that keeps fundraising professionals from taking necessary steps to fully develop the potential that exists…

While public demand for education and job training--two consequences of a down economy--are at an all-time high, community colleges, many of which face record enrollments, are forced to do more with less. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 39 states report shortfalls for FY 2010; 36 reported cuts to higher education across…

This study examined how the role expectations, responsibilities toward fundraising, and professional relationships by the vice president of institutional advancement influenced commitment to the institution. A qualitative analysis was conducted across the mid-Atlantic region by interviewing community college vice presidents of institutional…

Guidelines are presented for planning and financing European study tours at the community college level. First, a rationale for incorporating study tours of Europe within the community college curriculum is presented and the benefits of such tours in providing students with experiences they could not normally have are outlined. Next, the paper…

Offers a historical perspective on the community college foundation, reviews 1987 research findings concerning foundation assets, lists 10 steps to establishing a foundation, and identifies key factors in organizational success. Describes the revitalization of the Citrus College Foundation. (DMM)

Highlights two models of contract education, using Triton College's (IL) programs as examples. Describes Triton's Employee Development Institute, which contracts to provide specific training to local businesses, and Triton's Continuing Education Center for Health Professionals (CECHP), which co-sponsors programs for the continuing education of…

Offers guidelines for community colleges wishing to become involved in for-profit ventures as a means of revenue diversification. Explains the differences between for-profit activities related to the college's non-profit mission and those that are not; alternative organizational structures; and common operations (e.g., catering, retail sales, and…

Defines "planned giving" in terms of gifts large enough to require the assistance of the donor's financial advisers to consider and conclude them. Provides examples of planned gifts received by community colleges. Explains sources of resistance of planned giving on campus, and underscores benefits. (DMM)