The head of a London primary school criticizes possible effects of the British Education Reform Act on the education of students with learning difficulties. Specifically noted are negative effects of local management of schools, reallocation of resources, formula funding, unequal ability by schools to raise funds, and destructive competition among…

Information--who your prospects are, what they're interested in, who can best reach them, and what they're capable of giving--is the key to big gifts to institutions of higher education. Prospect research means digging into the personal and financial backgrounds of your donors. Professionals offer advice for drawing up ethical research and privacy…

Three dissertations are discussed: "Fund-raising from Private Sources in Public Community Colleges Using Not-for-profit Foundation Boards" (Carolyn Hunter); "Personality Traits of Effective Resource Development Officers in Two-year Colleges" (Raymond Taylor); and "The Relationship of Selected Institutional and Personal Characteristics to the…

College and university planned giving program administrators are advised to establish an advisory committee of financial professionals (attorneys, certified public accountants, brokers, investment advisors, financial planners, trust officers, insurance professionals) to act as a source of referrals, advice, and program support. Member selection,…

Three events drive the need for increased school funding: educational technology deficiencies, school restructuring projects, and declining resources. Downsizing will not work for schools. As district budgets tighten, principals must build funding programs to sustain a high school's academic and cocurricular needs. A three-pronged effort involving…

A college fund raiser offers advice on cultivating foundation funding, including preparatory research on institutional priorities, foundation goals, and funding history; writing a thorough and persuasive proposal; and following up with personal contacts after submitting the proposal. (MSE)

Common assumptions about college and university fund raising in foreign countries are examined, focusing on four constituencies: alumni, parents, corporations, and high-stakes donors. Personal experiences of several fund-raising professionals suggest that each assumption is true in some, but not all, cases. (MSE)

Describes three seasonal fund-raising projects that can be linked with the curriculum and require only a few parent volunteers. The projects are profitable without requiring large amounts of effort. They include selling holiday cards, conducting read-a-thons, and participating in save-the-rainforest group sales. Tips for holding successful fund…

Describes steps and issues related to the grant application process for two-year college libraries and resource centers. Indicates that successful grantsmanship involves creating a project idea that matches the college's mission and strategic plan, locating potential funding sources that are compatible with the project, assessing the project's…

Fund-raising auctions and related dinners produced by a private school, a community college, and a state university alumni association are described. Profiles include details of location, budget, proceeds, and reasons the events were successful. (MSE)

Some cash-strapped school districts are selling advertising space on their buses. Colorado Springs District 11 pioneered the 1st school-bus ad program more than 2 years ago, raising approximately $80,000 to date. However, the 12th National Conference on School Transportation argues that ads might distract motorists and cause accidents. (MLF)

For the past four years, a multiage class in Maine has been involved in a pumpkin-growing and -marketing enterprise--a project involving real work and problem solving. Begun with a seed grant, the project raises money for field trips and nonessential teaching materials. Working cooperatively forges strong bonds among children, teachers, and…

Over 600 colleges and universities now have pages on the World Wide Web, providing course catalogs, faculty directories, admissions information, campus maps, and other institutional information. Increasingly, institutions are bringing in public relations specialists to help present information to on-line audiences, including prospective students…

Offers a practical framework for dealing with budget reductions in community colleges. Describes horizontal cuts, which occur across the institution and affect programs and services proportionally, and vertical cuts, which target programs or services to achieve deeper reductions. Describes planning and revenue enhancement possibilities. (12…

Describes how the Magwood Public Library (Cook County, Illinois) successfully passed a $6.5 million tax referendum. Recommends showing the need for expansion, hiring an architectural firm to conduct a feasibility study, detailing the costs, securing community support, emphasizing cost effectiveness, and promoting the proposal. (AEF)