Through an alumni-led effort called Project Search, Haverford College found 72 percent of its 825 missing graduates. The project has paid off in more than renewed alumni ties, with a 20-fold return in the first 3 years of combined annual and capital fund raising. (MLW)

Washington College, a small liberal arts college on Maryland's Eastern Shore, revitalized its fund-raising program, adding an aggressive marketing strategy and a new emphasis on major gifts. They used a three-step process: assessed their situation, solidified their development program, and used that to support a big-gift campaign. (MLW)

Hallmarks of the successful church-related college include: a clear identity and distinct educational goals, loyal and vocal alumni, powerful religious commitments, an active and involved board of trustees, first-rate administration, a "good story," and intense denominational support in dollars. (MLW)