Scientific research on development in higher education is limited and fragmented. Fund-raising research has provided information on whether a winning football team helps raise outside support, donor behavior, how much institutions spend on fund raising, major ethical issues fund raisers face, etc. (MLW)

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)

Robert W. Woodruff's $100 million grant to the medical school at Emory University (Georgia), the largest individual gift in the history of U.S. education, was the culmination of a process in which the entire foundation was turned over to the university in 1978. The endowment is used throughout the institution for improving educational programs,…

The evolution, design, and implementation of the University of Cincinnati (Ohio) Foundation's plan in the event of a disaster that would destroy its building and computer system are described. The plan focuses on rapid assessment of damage, getting the system back into working order, and recovery of any losses. (MSE)

Gift planning is increasing in Canada's colleges and universities to offset effects of retrenchment. New annuity vehicles and the emergence of university Crown Foundations offer tax breaks that support private giving to institutions. In addition, a simplified process for gifts is anticipated. (MSE)

Advice on gathering information about foundations for college fund raising is offered. Information sources should be evaluated based on cost, quality, reliability, completeness, and ease of use. Noncommercial and commercial sources can both be useful. (MSE)

Predicts the nature of college fund-raising campaigns in 2007, based on recent trends. Notes that campaigns will be shaped by student enrollment growth, competition for diminishing public dollars, and polarization of American incomes. Argues that campaigns should only be long enough to meet objectives, fit within a long-range advancement plan, and…

Gives information on how Duke University (North Carolina), Purdue University (Indiana), Severn School (Maryland), Spelman College (Georgia), Syracuse University (New York), University of California/Los Angeles, and University of Massachusetts/Amherst structure their corporate relationships, including program administration, staff, number of…