Blog Posts

In my conversations with members, I frequently hear about the need to transform higher education business models. For many colleges, universities, foundations, and systems, the pandemic has dramatically affected their financial strength and positions. Transforming Business Models As board members and higher …

March 08, 2021 - Many institutions are assessing the need for transformation, especially given the impact of COVID-19. What I know is that the need for transformation is even greater than you may have hypothesized. Now is the time for transformation and action plans.

March 02, 2021 - Institutionally related foundations and their boards must step up to this unique moment. Board culture, structure, focus, and alignment are the secret sauce for today’s foundation board. We are in a moment when added value will be the test for …

February 25, 2021 - As the meeting comes to a quiet pause for the business affairs committee—a conversation suddenly restarts on an earlier topic about the efficacy of online courses. Some people understand the critical need and offer full support, others question their value …

February 25, 2021 - Want to learn more about major gift efficiency and innovative MGO models? Watch Increasing Fundraiser Collaborations, Forecasting, and Success Through a Proposal Driven System. Advancement entered the 2020s on unusually strong footing. Presidents and boards had increased advancement budgets every year …

February 23, 2021 - University endowments are taking sustainable investing seriously, allocated $378 billion to sustainable investing strategies in 2020 (up 19% from 2018)[1]. For endowments looking to get started — or to expand upon their sustainable practices — here are three ideas to …

February 18, 2021 - At the recent 2021 AGB Foundation Leadership Forum, Martin Davies discussed why it is a compelling time to invest in farmland. Considered a reliable asset class, farmland has proven to be a dependable store of value through times of economic tumult …

February 16, 2021 - Talk about a need for flexibility. American colleges and universities, after months of contemplating how to respond to the pandemic in real time, are now mulling a future in which Covid-19 may finally be under control. Assuming the national vaccination campaign …

February 11, 2021 - The Giving Pyramid has been a trusted friend to advancement professionals for as long as any of us can remember. It’s useful for planning campaigns and providing structure to principal and leadership giving teams, but the top-down model just isn’t …

February 10, 2021 - When an institution enters campaign mode, or just undertakes routine prospect research, one of the things we look for is alumni with high financial capacity who may or may not have the inclination to give right now. Our prospect plans …