The annual phonathon held at Elmira College is described. Phonathon prospects are seen as coming from two categories: (1) alumni donors who have given $10 and up in the past and (2) all members of reunion classes, whether or not they have ever given. (MLW)

Those responsible for preparing proposals need to adopt principles of successful cultivation before beginning to write. Prewriting research and cultivation, source collectors and selectors, getting the foundation to invite an application, internal cultivation (knowledge of institution's goals, information sources, on-campus networks) and personal…

Some examples of successful gift clubs are described, including: Ohio State University's President's Club with over 4,400 members, Harvey Mudd College's back to school activities, Occidental College's direct mail system, Oakland University's target population the residents of Rochester, Minn., and the University of Iowa's use of volunteers. (MLW)

The Funding Associates plan at Dartmouth College, a special deferred giving project sponsored by the 55th reunion classes, is described. Components of the alumni giving program, setting policies, promoting the plan, and the program's success are discussed. (MLW)

Most of the 50 colleges and universities cited for top foundation grant levels are on the list yearly, and are the nation's wealthiest and most prestigious institutions. Generally, they have staff to pursue funding and faculty with high-profile research projects. Some observers say foundations like to be associated with those colleges. The 1994-95…

For small, private institutions, the real estate pooled income fund can be ideal for constructing new facilities, especially if the facility will produce revenue. Even a public or well-endowed private institution may have a unique project for which a pooled income fund may be a nontraditional funding solution. (MSE)

A Memphis-based attorney was asked for advice on the ethics of planned giving. The bottom line is that the donor's interests come first. (MLW)

An annual survey reveals that private giving to 992 colleges rose 10.3% in 1993-94, 7.6% when adjusted for inflation, the sharpest increase since 1986-87. The trend is attributed to improvement and increasing confidence in the economy. The greatest increase in giving was at public, master's-granting institutions. Alumni provided 28% of total…

This article discusses techniques for calculating the net worth of prospective college and university donors, explaining how to base a net worth calculation on known statistical averages. It then reviews several formulas for estimating a person's giving ability. (MDM)

The most recent tax law creates stiffer rules forcing donors to document their charitable gifts in exchange for offering charities relief from the 1986 Alternative Minimum Tax law. For colleges and universities, who already follow relatively stringent receipt rules, the new regulation is a free and valuable benefit. (MSE)

As private fund raising becomes an agenda priority for community college foundations, the task of revamping foundation structure for successful board involvement becomes a challenge. Committee review of the foundation board's functions and revision of bylaws can aid fund raising and enlighten the whole institution as to the foundation's purpose.…

Discusses strategies for fundraising for gifted-education programs. Advocates are urged to get necessary permission and legal advice, select a creative idea for fundraising, set a goal, focus on an appropriate timeline for planning and implementing, drafting volunteers, promoting the event, and evaluating success. (CR)

The private sector is a mostly untapped source of student financial aid. Colleges and universities themselves are the largest sources of funds, but corporate sources are important. The Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America (CFSA) administers over 720 scholarship programs for corporate and other sponsors, up from 400 five years ago; other…

Discusses the relative lack of African Americans in organizational development/fund-raising executive positions at institutions of higher education. Notes several new initiatives, including the National Center for Black Philanthropy and a minority division in the National Society of Fund-Raising Executives. Suggests that need for colleges and…

Explains how private foundations operate, depending on their type (independent, company sponsored, community, or operating), purpose, size, assets, geographical limitations, staff, and procedures. Discusses the unique world of corporate giving and shows how school administrators can identify potential funders, establish relationships, develop and…