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You are viewing the Institutionally Related Foundation version of this CEO Update. An Institution and Systems version is also available.
As we close out the calendar year, I want to express my gratitude for your continued commitment to strengthening the foundation–institution partnership during a time of significant challenge for higher education. This eventful year has underscored an important truth: 2026 will require more coordinated, strategic, and proactive advocacy for both institutional autonomy and foundation independence than ever before. These principles are essential to higher education’s ability to serve students and communities effectively, and both are facing growing pressures nationwide.
To meet this moment, our sector must lean in on one of its most influential yet often underutilized assets—foundation board members.
Foundation Board Members Are Among the Most Influential Advocates
Trustees of institutionally related foundations bring stature, credibility, and deep community engagement to their roles. They are civic and business leaders, employers, philanthropists, investors, and respected voices who understand the value their institutions, and their foundations, bring to their states. Their networks often reach chambers of commerce, industry associations, policymakers, and community leaders across the political spectrum.
These relationships matter. And this moment calls for leveraging them.
As stewards of philanthropic strategy and mission alignment, foundation board members play an essential role in advocating not only for the strength of their foundation but also for the broader higher education ecosystem that drives their state’s economic vitality, workforce development, research competitiveness, and social mobility.
Tools and Resources to Boost Your Advocacy Efforts
- AGB’s Engaging Foundation Board Members as Strategic Advocates tool offers practical guidance for involving foundation board members in coordinated advocacy efforts and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
- The Why College Matters Toolkit helps board members communicate the value of higher education to policymakers and the public.
- ACE’s Economic Indicator Tool offers data on the broad economic contributions of higher education in every state.
- NACUBO’s resources provide state-level financial, demographic, and policy data that strengthen the economic case for higher education.
- AGB’s 2026 Foundation Leadership Forum will offer a workshop on advocacy and the role of foundation board members.
- AGB’s Govern NOW Initiative provides strategies and actionable tools to empower fiduciary boards to uphold institutional autonomy and safeguard academic freedom and free speech.
Strengthen Advocacy Efforts by Engaging with Key Organizations
Engaging with national advocacy groups and coalitions significantly expands the reach and impact of higher education advocacy. These organizations bring established networks, policy expertise, and coordinated strategies that help amplify shared priorities and elevate them in policy conversations.
For foundations, these partnerships can enhance philanthropic messaging, deepen relationships with business and civic leaders, and create new opportunities for collaborative action.
- The Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF)—This national network brings together business leaders, presidents, chancellors, and provosts to align education and workforce strategies. Organizations like BHEF often foster strong state-level partnerships between business and higher education—frequently through state chambers of commerce—creating valuable opportunities for trustees to collaborate with business leaders on shared policy priorities.
- Advocacy Groups for Higher Education—AGB has compiled a list of coalitions and advocacy organizations dedicated to championing the future of higher education. These groups offer meaningful avenues for individuals to lend their voices, engage in collective action, and support initiatives that strengthen institutions and promote student success.
A Call to Action for 2026
This work is not optional; it is mission critical. In the coming year, I encourage every foundation CEO to work closely with their institution’s president, board chair, and advancement leadership to identify foundation trustees who can serve as strategic partners in advocating for the profoundly positive impact of higher education. Many trustees are eager to contribute; they simply need clarity, coordinated messaging, and structured pathways to align their advocacy with institutional and foundation priorities.
Thank you for your continued leadership and partnership. I look forward to working alongside you as we elevate the role of foundation advocacy in strengthening higher education for the students and communities we serve.
