One way of garnering grant funding to support restructuring projects is to establish a districtwide grants development office. This article describes a low-cost grants office in the Norfolk (Virginia) Public Schools that employs one administrator and one part-time clerical support person. An overview of the grants development and proposal writing…

Seven simple ways for college fund-raisers to recognize donors successfully are outlined, illustrated with the experiences of colleges, universities, and other organizations. Institutions are urged to thank donors accurately, publicly, privately, frequently, appropriately, innovatively, and sincerely. (MSE)

Finds that four models of fund raising, conceptualized from public relations theory, describe the typical ways fund raising is practiced. Shows that press agentry is predominately practiced today, although fund raisers tend to move toward the two-way symmetrical model when conducting major gifts programs as compared to annual giving programs. (SR)

This article presents five basic guidelines for initiating a successful alumni merchandising program: (1) shop around for the best vendor; (2) decide what to sell; (3) manage merchandise properly; (4) watch out for risky business; and (5) get what you pay for. (MDM)

This article reviews the tax implications of alumni association merchandising programs, focusing on unrelated business income tax (UBIT) that nonprofit organizations, such as alumni associations, must pay on income derived from a trade or business not substantially related to their tax-exempt status. It also discusses postal regulations that…

This article raises issues concerning fundraising by institutions of higher education and affirms the principles of institutional autonomy and institutional fairness. Considered are attachment of conditions to individual gifts, consequences of patterns of support, granting favors to donors, imposing burdens on donors, prospect research, and…

This article offers college and university administrators 23 ideas for encouraging corporate matching gifts from annual fund donors. Principles include spreading the word to donors; collecting company and donor data; approaching companies directly; segmenting the donor pool; integrating programs; and following leads. Also suggested are ways to…

This article describes several university fund-raising programs that encourage the use of credit cards and electronic fund transfer in alumni giving. Noted are some problems and guidelines on setting up the system, working with the bank, appointing an in-house expert, and maintaining personal contacts with donors. (DB)

In England, playgroups are major provider of services to children under compulsory school age. Based on a study of 45 playgroups, this paper examines the consequences of 3 funding policies on various aspects of playgroups (premises and equipment, opening hours and usage, the position of playgroup workers, mother and playgroup leader satisfaction,…

School fundraising will remain popular, despite the risk of lawsuits. The Indiana courts advise certain actions to avoid potentially hazardous situations. These include inspecting places and situations presenting significant hazards, making plans to meet anticipated dangers, and assigning competent supervisors. Superintendents can ensure greater…

A study examines the effect of a brief but intense antipollution message, compared to a control message, on verbal commitment and on three forms of immediate behavioral commitment of college student volunteers (n=104). Exposure to the antipollution message produced significantly more verbal commitment and financial donations but not more time…

A Kentucky school district accepted a challenge to make computers and computer-assisted instruction available to all the district's students. Creative partnerships with businesses and searches for federal, state, and local grants helped raise the funds for technology in education. (MLF)

Discusses how to seek resources within the home institutions--from deans, vice presidents, provosts, and the like. Suggests that department chairs draw up an inventory of the department's strengths and weaknesses. Suggests that, when asking for more resources, department chairs offer administrators something instead of just asking for more. (PRA)

Advice about finding and using the "askable moment" with potential donors is offered to volunteer college fundraisers. Ideas include planning the call on a donor, getting right to the point, responding to "yes" or "maybe," keeping the conversation brief, discussing the gift amount, and dealing with more complex…

Higher education can use resources more effectively by (1) developing collaborative relationships; (2) offering contract programs; (3) eliminating waste; (4) soliciting donations; (5) finding new roles for personnel; (6) using technology; and (7) not trying to be all things to all people. (SK)