Gift Fees in Practice: A Candid Conversation on What Really Works

About

Gift fees are one of the most debated—and most inconsistently applied—topics in advancement. In this webinar, colleagues Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement & External Relations at South Louisiana Community College, and Zak Boone, Vice President for College Advancement and Foundation Executive Director at Central Oregon Community College, engage in an open, practical conversation about how each of their institutions approaches gift fees. They’ll compare experiences on the big questions: Should you implement a fee at all? How do you determine the right rate? How do you clearly communicate its purpose both to donors and to board members who must understand—and often approve—the policy? Lana and Zak will also compare how gift fees function behind the scenes at their colleges, including how the revenue supports core needs, how the policies mesh with endowment and investment practices, and what ongoing checks or adjustments they make to keep the approach working well. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, this dialogue highlights the real reasoning, challenges, and successes behind different approaches—giving attendees insight to help shape gift fee strategies that are transparent, mission-aligned, and sustainable.

Meet the Speakers

Lana Fontenot, CFRE, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and External Relations, South Louisiana Community College,
Zak Boone, Vice President for College Advancement and Foundation Executive Director, Central Oregon Community College

Summary

Availability:

Registration Required

Location:

Online Meeting

Date / Time:

May 19, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET

Credit Offered:

No Credit Offered

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