Analysis of 50 years of Princeton University (New Jersey) annual-giving data found most variation in gift size and percentage of class giving can be explained by models based on reunion attendance, class identity, and fiscal year. These models can reveal trends in giving behavior and exceptional performance of particular classes. (Author/MSE)

A video recording about the college that evokes a nostalgic response can be extremely effective in a fund-raising campaign and can even be used to openly solicit donations. Older, affluent alumni are the prime target audience. Producing an effective video requires attention to technical, financial, and aesthetic factors. (MSE)

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)

In response to increasing costs and growing reliance on external funding for college faculty research, a plan for promoting faculty success in gaining financial support for research is proposed. The plan is based on information in the literature concerning prerequisites for success in getting external support. (Author/MSE)

Technology can assist in recordkeeping that enhances college alumni fund raising. Colleges can contract with commercial vendors who use databases to update address and telephone number records. Keeping track of even small donors can be an effective fund-raising strategy. (MSE)

Discusses the importance for camp development efforts of collaboration between the camp's chief administrative officer (CAO) and development director. Describes qualities of an effective development director; where and how to begin the search for a development director; and the importance of retaining an effective development director in meeting…

Argues that student affairs professionals constitute an untapped resource that can enhance higher education fund-raising efforts. Examines fund-raising trends and looks at students as fund raisers. Describes research study in which questionnaires completed by delegates of National Association of Student Personnel Administrators revealed degree to…

The relative success of a college fund-raising campaign in the current uncertain financial climate depends on (1) whether the college is in an economically troubled area; (2) how far the institution is into its campaign; and (3) base of giving (whether corporate, middle-income individual donors, or old money in other fields). (MSE)

Basic principles of designing a reunion gift program include beginning small, researching class prospects, gathering volunteers, determining the financial goal, communicating needs and intentions, organizing volunteers, advertising well, and making the donation at the reunion a major event. More ambitious plans can be tied into the program later.…

An institutional advancement administrator draws on experience running an office with limited resources to offer suggestions to others, including putting basics in place first, then fine-tuning them, and developing a do-everything publication, a plan for special events and fund-raising, an annual giving structure, and a strong core of volunteers.…

Describes the organization and implementation of a women's studies conference. Discusses fund raising, identifying speakers, developing publicity, local arrangement efforts, and providing hospitality. Includes nine recommendations and a suggested conference timeline. (CFR)

Discusses how fund raising in journalism education has evolved during the past two decades. Reports on a survey of journalism programs regarding fund-raising developments, issues, and questions. (SR)

Flexible endowments are a form of planned giving agreement letting highly motivated donors give endowment-level funding to colleges and universities before they are able to make an outright gift. The donor commits to giving the institution the amount of money an endowment would have generated each year until the endowment principle is fully…

Describes one Texas high school's efforts to obtain funding for a new music facility and the planning process behind its design. Acoustics and storage space considerations are discussed. (GR)

Corporations are becoming a popular target of tax-supported organizations in need of alternative funding. This article discusses avenues for pursuing corporate donations; the appropriateness of libraries accepting such monies; why corporations might feel assisting public institutions is to their advantage; practical and ethical guidelines; and who…