In 1983, members of Cornell University's Class of '73 raised an all-American record in reunion gifts. How they got the participation, the high giving levels, and the first-time givers are discussed. The Cornell strategy, market research, recruiting solicitors, and getting the gifts are described. (MLW)

University-affiliated foundations have difficulty locating and retaining good fund-raisers. A recent survey found that demand for fund-raisers is greater than supply; only one in five is looking for a new job. This paper explains issues and lists strategies that can help affiliated foundations recruit and retain chief advancement officers and…

Offers suggestions for marketing fundraisers for high school publication programs. (AEA)

Advises that good ad design, student and advertiser incentives, sales team organization, and hard work can help school yearbook staffs raise more money. (JL)

Briefly describes a computer fair conducted by the Winn Brook Parent Teachers Association in Massachusetts in order to raise funds to purchase microcomputers for elementary schools. Over 50 computers were available for hands-on demonstrations and several vendors exhibited computer software. (JJD)

When the Cardozo High School band marched in the 1981 Rose Bowl parade, it became the first band from the District of Columbia to do so. The event sparked community spirit and support for the large school in an impoverished, troubled area of the district. (SK)

Five of the most common fund-raising problems are described: (1) inadequate preparation by the institution, (2) a failure to recruit and retain strong leadership, (3) overoptimism about major gifts, (4) misjudging the timing of the fund-raising program, and (5) inadequate constituency relations. (MLW)

Discusses findings from a survey on voluntary giving to higher education, which found that a sharp drop in alumni giving in 2002 spurred a dip in colleges' overall donations for the first time in 14 years. (EV)

Describes how, by sponsoring donor-advised funds, colleges are allowing contributors to enjoy tax breaks and philanthropic experience normally reserved for billionaires with their own foundations. (EV)

Offers a descriptive table of databases that help higher education institutions orchestrate advancement operations. Information includes vendor, contact, software, price, database engine/server platform, recommended reporting tools, record capacity, and client type. (EV)

Describes the implementation of a read-a-thon for UNICEF. Addresses the value of young children becoming involved in philanthropy. Urges others to try a read-a-thon or similar projects. (SG)

Presents an action plan for fundraising for day care centers. Emphasizes that fundraising activities should be consonant with both the goals and values of the center and the interests and needs of the community. (NH)

Provides guidelines and information, based on the experiences of Pierce County Library (Washington), for planning a sponsored author event to raise funds for a public library. (JKP)

This article examines the philosophy behind alumni merchandising programs used by several colleges and universities, focusing on how alumni association directors determine which products best suit their mission and their audiences. It discusses techniques and products used by associations at Boston College and the Universities of New Hampshire,…

A hypothetical conversation between Thoughtful Principal and Music Teacher raises some basic issues about fund raising, booster activities, and band trips. Considerations about contest criteria, door-to-door selling, student costs, support for nonband musical programs, and the educational and motivational value of band trips are discussed. (MLH)