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…

Public college and university foundations are undergoing a significant transition that could change their relationships with the boards and presidents of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Such foundations have been around for over a century. The growth in the value of assets held by foundations, and their increasing significance to…

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)

Public colleges and universities increasingly raise private funds through institutional foundations. A healthy relationship between governing and foundation boards requires open communication, regular interaction, and shared information. The fulcrum of this relationship is the college's president, who has specific responsibilities toward each…