Presents an interview with Franklin Thomas, president of the Ford Foundation, a private, nonprofit foundation. Discusses the interests of this foundation, particularly those concerned with urban poverty. Focuses on its activities outside the U.S. and on those activities specifically targeted to the Black community. (JS)

Discusses the decline in large philanthropic foundations and the consequences of this decline on society. Indicates that large foundations will disappear and be replaced by smaller foundations that are not equipped to deal with national issues. Provides examples of the trends discussed. (JS)

Ways to establish a senior class gift and pledge program are discussed. Senior gift campaigns solicit an out-right cash gift, collected before graduation. Pledge programs can run anywhere from a 1-year commitment, to a 25-year commitment. (MLW)

One in a collection of articles on self-made millionaire and educational philanthropist George Peabody explains how he supported education in the South following the Civil War by starting the Peabody Education Fund. The paper focuses on the history of the Peabody Education Fund. (SM)

Reports that some local and regional censorship groups are backed financially by national religious groups. Examines their impact on public and school libraries, recounts their influences on federal legislation, and reviews the status of state legislation. A sidebar discusses the American Library Association's role in aiding librarians. (JMV)

Higher education data from France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States show continued increases in participation and in private funding. However, private funding is largely geared to money-generating research and service--not to teaching--refuting the notion that higher education can be increasingly…

This article presents five guidelines for running a successful faculty-staff fund drive, illustrating them with anecdotal evidence from recent college and university fund drives: (1) educate your constituents; (2) tailor your campaign; (3) choose your leader; (4) guard against disaster; and (5) make it easy to give. (MDM)

Seeks and finds similarities in adult/community education between a developed country (Scotland) and a developing country (Ghana). Recommends an increase in both countries of community education through cooperatives funded by local commercial cooperative activity. Suggests tapping the expertise of universities. (DMM)

Two studies found that, although the nation's wealthiest gave a smaller proportion of earnings to charity in the 1980s, the number of wealthy donors has increased. Tax law changes had less effect than predicted. Generosity appears divided between a few who give a lot and many who give little. (MSE)

Data are presented in chart, graph, and tabular form on sources of private gifts to colleges and universities; top 25 institutions in fund raising (totals and amount per student); average gifts per student at 4-year institutions for 1971-72 to 1990-91; and total and average gifts by institution type and sector. (MSE)

Observes that there is as yet no comprehensive history of the Post-World War II "multiversity." Examines the development of Stanford University's Microwave Laboratory. Suggests a framework for the multiversity that includes large, well-funded laboratories, a department with weak central authority, and an emphasis on research over…

Examines the Riordan Foundation's successful strategy in establishing computer-assisted reading labs in public and private elementary schools nationwide. The foundation provides challenge grants to applicant schools to purchase equipment for the "Writing to Read" program and assists them in raising additional funds from local businesses.…

During the Reagan and Bush administrations, many foundations supported causes they thought were being ignored by Washington. Now many of those causes are finding support in the Clinton administration, and foundations are turning to other issues. A ranking of the 50 largest foundations, based on 1991 grants and assets, is provided. (MSE)

Describes two scholarship programs administered by the Ford Family Foundation: the Ford Scholars Program and the Ford Opportunity Program for Single Parents. These programs are unique because of the partnerships developed with other organizations and the interest taken in the recipients. (TD)

Discussion of techniques for college and university fundraising among international alumni looks at targeting prospective donors and their parents, keeping prospects connected to the institution through overseas student and faculty activities and alumni volunteers, communicating the importance of philanthropy, selecting a language to use, and…