Concerns about the cost of higher education and student loan debt have resulted in increasing efforts by policymakers and university administrators to find alternative ways to support the financing of higher education for students. The authors present a case study of a student-led philanthropy campaign to generate funding for social work student…

This article describes the Voluntary Support for Education (VSE) Survey, an instrument created by the Council for Aid to Education. Our objective is to explain VSE's potential value as a tool to inform both institutional and academic research regarding fund-raising activities at community colleges. Of particular interest is how the data available…

Colleges and university missions often espouse ideals such as creating an active and engaged citizen. The concept, principles and manifestation of citizenship can take many forms. One such form is that of prosocial behavior, or voluntary actions towards others. Philanthropy is one example of prosocial behavior. This study enhances our knowledge of…

A corporate relations program at the University of Rochester that uses several follow-up techniques to help keep lines of communication open and encourage corporations to stay in close touch is described. Gift acknowledgments, reports to donors, corporation visits, informational mailings, and campus visits and special events are discussed. (MLW)

A comprehensive study of Stanford University giving capacity of alumni and friends is described. The mission was to identify new donor prospects and to review perceptions of the people already identified. Some 1,200 new volunteers were involved. (MLW)

A program that sent a fund-raising videotape to 1,500 University of Richmond alumni is described. Research had turned up affluent alumni in areas too remote for personal calls or visits by the presidents. The program was a success and proved cost-effective. (MLW)

Six institutions' successful annual fund drives are described. St. Stephen's School keeps its constituents informed of giving participation and fosters a competitive spirit by using agents for each alumni class and parent representatives for each school grade. Ohio University cultivates annual gifts through a gift club for local donors. (MLW)

Ideas that have helped the University of Richmond win corporation support are identified: develop impact statements; research each prospect; schedule corporate days on campus; plan executive information sessions on campus; give return for support; use one gift to increase others; extend pledge period; use team approach; and thank donors. (MLW)

The case statement ranks as the most important piece of literature in a fund-raising campaign. It describes the purpose, program, and financial needs of the institution. Ways to approach writing case statements are provided. (MLW)

Ways to establish a senior class gift and pledge program are discussed. Senior gift campaigns solicit an out-right cash gift, collected before graduation. Pledge programs can run anywhere from a 1-year commitment, to a 25-year commitment. (MLW)

Senior development officers of the 56 member institutions of the Association of American Universities were surveyed to learn about the scope of their prospect research programs. Scope of programs, prospect research approaches, and information resources are discussed. (MLW)

Capital campaign strategies that helped rally support for seven community colleges are described. An attractive college profile, enthusiastic volunteers, effective training, community contacts, and high internal morale helped create good donor support. (MLW)

The experiences of Aurora University, a small university that not only raised money but established new links with donors, are described. The key to fund raising is selling an idea. As donors become more sophisticated, sentiment and traditional patterns play a less significant role in motivating donors. (MLW)

In developing programs for nontraditional alumni, aim for a series of targeted programs that play on the human need to belong, to be recognized, and to look good by association with success. The University of Missouri at Saint Louis' lunchtime meetings for business professionals is one such successful program. (MLW)

This essay explores the implication of venture philanthropy for higher education fund raising. The author provides a detailed description of venture philanthropy, including the social context driving its development. Then, the benefits brought to higher education by this style of philanthropy are explored. Finally, a single example of venture…