Survey Results: What Successful Community Colleges Do Differently-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The CASE Community Colleges and Foundations webinar, led by Meg Knatter with speakers Bethany Reed, Rico Guerrero, and Carrie Schultz, revisited a crucial benchmarking survey initially started years ago. The survey addresses the fundraising landscape in community colleges, considering a diverse range of institutions beyond just high-profile ones. Survey highlights show foundation boards typically have 11-15 members, with many exceeding 25. Half of the boards require a donation, often $1,000, and a strong relationship exists between the foundation and the college, supported by MOUs outlining roles and financial support. Presidents’ engagement in fundraising varies, with most somewhat engaged but room for growth. Advancement leaders typically have long tenures, often sit on the college president’s cabinet, and perform multifaceted roles with a strong focus on major gift cultivation.<br /><br />Both Rico and Carrie emphasized communication and relationship-building with leadership as key to fostering stable, effective fundraising operations despite leadership turnover. Fundraising priorities emphasize scholarships, followed by college programs and student emergencies. Most institutions have staff teams of 4-6 focusing primarily on major gifts and database management. Emerging challenges include addressing student needs like food insecurity, managing capital campaigns, and adapting to an evolving philanthropic landscape where few donors contribute most gifts. Resources and full data are accessible via CASE for members to guide informed advancement strategies.

Keywords

CASE Community Colleges

fundraising landscape

foundation boards

donation requirements

presidents engagement

advancement leaders

major gift cultivation

scholarships funding

philanthropic challenges