Collective Impact

Today the AP reported, via The Washington Post, the results of recent studies showing the state declines in support of higher education.

This is no surprise to the 400 attendees at AGB’s 16th Foundation Leadership Forum. We are in La Jolla, CA, with college presidents, foundation chief executives, foundation board chairs and members, and advancement staff from 112 different foundations across 40 states, representing all types of public colleges and universities. Despite the differences among the institutions, the conversation is focused and strategic: Given declining state support, how can foundations amplify their support for the long term and engage communities in philanthropy that directly enhances the institution’s ability to achieve its mission? And, perhaps even more important, how are they advancing the public purpose and societal impact our public colleges and universities have across this country?

We were warmly greeted by University of California president Mark Yudof last night (read his keynote address), who told us the story of La Jolla’s commitment to the University of California at San Diego’s development, and, the impact of UCSD in San Diego county alone, after a mere 50 years:

“100 UCSD alumni-founded companies are based in San Diego County alone—along with their $4.8 billion in annual sales revenue. UCSD has more Pell grant recipients—meaning students whose families make less than $50,000 a year—than the entire Ivy League combined.”

His point had less to do with the specific example – although it is an important one – and more to do with the need for a much more thorough understanding among the public that public higher education is critically important to all of us, with an impact far beyond the direct impact of our children attending, our family members being employed by, or our health care needs being addressed by our local institutions.

The foundation leaders gathered here this week know thousands of stories like the story of UC San Diego, and they share them regularly with all their communities – from the most local to international. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their tireless efforts giving to, advocating for, and championing the institutions they represent – and supporting, during what may be the most difficult times for public higher education – institutions that have the responsibility to innovate, educate, and prepare our nation for the future.

(You can also read AGB President Rick Legon's opening remarks.)