From the foundations up: Contexts for change in community college advancement

Abstract

Unlike past fiscal crises and retrenchment, current changes in the funding of public higher education could precipitate fundamental changes in colleges and universities. Community colleges might be well positioned to thrive in such turbulent times.

A Donor-Focused Fundraising Model: An Essential Tool in Community College Foundations' Toolkit

“…The model includes elements from which all types of community college foundations, from those that are underdeveloped to those that are well-run, could benefit. Researchers have found that with traditional sources of funding continuing to dwindle for institutions of higher education (Bass, 2003;Hearn, 2003;Phillippe & Sullivan, 2005), many institutions have had to shift their focus to include private fundraising (Anderson, 2005;Cohen & Brawer, 2003;Hearn, 2003). As a result, many institutions have made great fundraising progress in the 21st century (Council for Aid to Education, 2007).…”

“…Funding for these expenses is typically not available from the community colleges due to dwindling monies from traditional sources of revenue (Bass, 2003;Hearn, 2003;Phillippe & Sullivan, 2005).…”

“…These colleges, which used to receive almost all of their funding from their states, are now operating with decreased state funding and minimal local funding (Bass, 2003;Hearn, 2003;Kelderman, 2010;Phillippe & Sullivan, 2005). These types of budget cuts present serious challenges for community colleges.…”

Philanthropic Motivations of Community College Donors

“…Previously receiving most of their funding from their states, community colleges now operate with decreased state funding, increased student tuition, and minimal local funding (Bass, 2003;Phillippe & Sullivan, 2005). These cuts continue to present serious challenges for community colleges.…”

“…These cuts continue to present serious challenges for community colleges. To alleviate the adverse impact of diminishing traditional sources of funding, community colleges are relying more and more on their foundations to seek additional sources of funding (Anderson, 2004=2005;Cohen & Brawer, 2003;Hearn, 2003) such as philanthropic donors (Bass, 2003). Many of these foundations are less than 40 years old (Angel & Gares, 1981) and differ greatly from their four-year counterparts with educational foundations that are decades older.…”