Why is the foundation board's involvement in fund raising important? Because successful fund raising requires a team effort, and volunteer leaders are essential members of the team. Board members should set the pace through their own giving, and they should be actively engaged in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of others. The…

With the United States economy on a rollercoaster ride this year and words like "meltdown," "bailout," and "crisis" commonly used in recent weeks in connection with the financial markets, college and university administrators might find themselves becoming increasingly anxious about their fundraising plans. They…

This article presents an interview with Richard Chait, Research Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, regarding the three major challenges that face college and university governing boards today--in the areas of board structure, planning, and trustee selection. In the interview, Chait shares his concern about the state of…

The legal terrain regarding institutions' rights for use of major charitable gifts has clarified somewhat in recent months. While this may encourage institutional fundraisers, it is also clear that extreme care still must be taken about the acceptance and terms set for use of transformational gifts. As recent lawsuits demonstrate, careful planning…

In these uncertain economic times, leadership is among the most frequently used (and misused) terms in public discourse. And the vast literature on this topic certainly encompasses considerable discussion of the policies and practices that can equalize leadership opportunities for women and people of color. In reviewing the status of women in…

Explores whether trustee boards should establish a naming-rights policy for donators of large gifts. Suggests that the beginning of a comprehensive fundraising campaign is a good time to address such standards, and offers factors to keep in mind when making decisions about naming college facilities after donors. (EV)

Offers contrasting views on whether the federal government's scheduled repeal of the estate tax will crimp charitable giving to higher education. (EV)

Explores whether venture philanthropy (grant making based on principles used by venture capitalists for investing in new businesses) is good for higher education and--good or bad--how higher education should respond to alumni, business leaders, and foundation representatives who wish to focus their support this way. (EV)

Discusses how a policy statement on board philanthropy can clarify fundraising expectations of all governing and foundation board members. Describes essential components of such a policy statement: mission and vision, recognition of board responsibility for fundraising, specific expectations, and commitment to project and campaign goals. Also…

An individual describes and discusses seven stages of giving through which he and his wife have passed, and two additional stages they are contemplating. They include: minimal response; involvement and interest; as much as possible; maximum allowable; beyond the maximum; percentage of wealth; capping wealth; reducing the cap; and bequests. (MSE)

The author of recommended reforms for public college and university governing boards that had been outlined in an Association of Governing Boards policy paper, responds to criticism of the reform strategies and expands on his suggestions in four areas: the call for larger boards; merit selection of trustees; greater trustee philanthropy; and…

A reexamination of recommended reforms for public college and university governing boards, outlined in an Association of Governing Boards policy paper, suggests that borrowing approaches from private higher education will not necessarily solve the challenges facing private education. Issues discussed include the board's role and functions,…

A survey of 130 trustees, presidents, and other higher education executives found that they ranked public opinion toward higher education, changing demographics, and family income and savings rates as the top external trends in higher education. The top-ranked institutional issues included tuition policy and financing; productivity and cost…