Continued competition for precious resources in higher education, along with the simultaneous increasing expectations of higher education by parents, students, and other stakeholders, has forced institution administrators to look for significant alternatives for funding. In conjunction with these pressures, the U.S. Congress is pressing colleges…

In challenging economic times, student affairs administrators need to employ creative tactics seeking fiscal resources for their efforts to support student learning and student services. The cost of higher education has increased as government support wanes. Transferring the cost to students and their families is often unworkable and can put…

Student affairs organizations must deal with the reality that if offering high-quality and innovative programs for students is a priority, then identifying and soliciting outside funding sources is essential. If the vice president for student affairs has decided to establish a development office in the division of student affairs in a large public…

Many universities, colleges, and independent schools face the reality of geographically expanding alumni bases, likely combined with constant or decreasing budgets for alumni activities. Well-intentioned colleagues understand the potential power of a geographically diverse alumni network but do not always grasp the time and complexity associated…

An estate planning seminar is a personal and cost-effective tool for alerting college constituents to a financial opportunity. Such seminars are not hard to coordinate, are a service to alumni and friends, and may bring long-term benefits to college and participants. Experiences at a number of colleges illustrate diverse approaches. (MSE)

Large, flashy college fund drives may be falling out of favor with alumni and friends of the institution. Advancement professionals recount their experiences and suggest ways to adapt campaigns to new needs and environments. Inherent problems with large campaigns are enumerated, and the importance of clear communication to audiences on and off…

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association has developed from a fraternal organization into a credible and active force in campus and state higher education policy. Networking, careful selection of issues, and clear communication with the college administration have been keys to the group's success. (MSE)

Offers advice on developing successful partnerships between higher education institutions and corporations, including characteristics of effective relationships, determining the nature of the partnership, identifying potential partners, getting campus cooperation, and identifying benefits to both institution and corporation. Examples of programs…

A bad attitude can sabotage recruiting volunteers. After examining attitudes, alumni administrators need to set goals, make plans, write job descriptions, recruit the right people for the job, and delegate properly. Ways to ensure good continuing relations are offered. (MLW)

College and university fund-raising programs should have a written policy to make donor thank-yous part of office routine. Reviewing existing donor files can help codify existing policy and practice. Larger offices may need policies for different gift types and sizes. Innovative ways of recognizing donors, such as special events, gifts, and…

A guide to planning college and university anniversary celebrations that attract the attention of both friends and strangers recommends creating substantive programs related to current public interest; faculty involvement; broad-based and varied programing; media participation; attention to both past and future; and adequate budget. (MSE)

College alumni who are corporate directors have significant fund-raising potential. Charitable award programs allow corporate directors to designate nonprofit organizations to receive gifts when they die or retire; employee stock ownership programs can provide a private stock market for a potential donor seeking philanthropic opportunity and tax…

Many historically black colleges and universities want to take advantage of a strong economy and generous donors. Typically, even relatively wealthy institutions do not have the financial capabilities and access to wealthy benefactors that predominantly white institutions have accumulated and can use more money, either as a cushion against hard…

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)

A set of standards to help small college advancement managers measure and justify the advancement processes they pursue are provided. The framework includes five sections: institutional commitment, authority and organizational structure, personnel resources, advancement activities and functions, and evaluation. (MLW)