From the back of the library, what I'm reading as a philanthropy PhD student: 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁 isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a c͇r͇i͇t͇i͇c͇a͇l͇ trait for higher education fundraisers. We’re talking about the passion and perseverance that fuel successful major gift solicitations. Let’s dive in🏊. McCann’s (🎓) study reveals how grit manifests in development officers’ experiences. She found that… - Passion and Pathways: Development officers often come from varied backgrounds, bringing diverse skills from sales, education, and relationship-building roles. They share a deep commitment to their institution’s mission. - Motivation and Personal Values: Intrinsic motivation drives these professionals. They find personal satisfaction in their work, seeing the tangible impacts of their efforts on students and institutions. - Resilience and Adaptability: These fundraisers demonstrate remarkable resilience when facing frequent rejections. They continuously refine their approaches, learning from setbacks, and maintaining a positive outlook. - Self-Talk Matters: Positive self-talk is a critical strategy. While some struggle with negative self-talk, many learn to overcome it through reflection and support from colleagues. - Long-Term Impact: Metrics provide short-term motivation, but enduring satisfaction comes from the long-term impact on the educational opportunities created for students and institutional growth. How do you maintain your grit in the face of challenges? I would love to hear from long-time fundraisers (25 yrs +). McCann, J. A. (2018). Exploring Grit in the Experiences of Higher Education Development Officers: A Phenomenological Study. University of Texas at Tyler. #Backofthelibrary #Research #Philanthropy #Fundraising #Grit --- No, seriously, I'm actually sitting in the back of the library right now. I'm Anna Schlia, a PhD student studying HigherEd Philanthropy. I'm a fundraiser, consultant, and philanthropy zealot, on a mission to promote research-based insights across our sector. Follow me for more philanthropy nuggets and message me if you want to chat about how research can support your fundraising efforts. #TheorytoAction.
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We're in the very early stages of planning a 5K / 1 Mile Fun Run to support Special Spaces Nebraska, and your involvement could make a big difference! I invite you to join us on this journey. Whether it's through donating raffle prizes, sponsoring the event, participating, volunteering for day of activities, or just spreading the word, we value your support immensely. If you or your organization are interested in joining this cause, please message me to talk details! To my network inside and outside Nebraska, a message, a share, or any form of support is appreciated. Organizing such an event is a first for me, and there's a lot to learn. However, I’m fortunate to collaborate with an extraordinary team – members of the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Scott Scholar class of 2026. These talented STEM students are bringing their expertise in design principles and a deep passion for community service to help enhance Special Spaces' outreach in Nebraska. Over the last year and a half, they've helped me design out plans for Junior College Boards, Young Professional Organizations, Volunteer and Chapter engagement, and now this event. The pictures attached are just a glimpse at our planning team's design thinking workshop. Witnessing the energy, creativity, and dedication of these future leaders has been nothing short of inspirational. Remember, every action we take helps fulfill a vital mission: to create dream bedrooms for children battling cancer, where they can sleep, relax, recover, and simply enjoy being kids. We achieve this One Child, One Room, One Day at a time. Your involvement in our 5K / 1 Mile Fun Run could be a key part of this transformative journey. Let's come together to make these dreams a reality. Every step you take, every support you offer, counts immensely. Reach out to join us in this heartwarming cause – your contribution could change lives. #SpecialSpaces #5KRun #CommunityEngagement #UNOScottScholars #MakingADifference #TeamworkDreamwork
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Great article on community colleges and philanthropy. Community colleges are our nation’s greatest engines of economic and social mobility, and a driving force of local and regional economies. Community colleges enroll 30% of all higher education students yet receive only 1.5% of the $58 billion in philanthropic support to higher education. Community college alumni work in every industry and are distinguished civic and corporate leaders throughout the country. Philanthropists looking to make a transformational impact should take a closer look at community colleges. #communitycollege #philanthropy
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Achieving 40% Alumni Participation: Lessons from William & Mary William & Mary's bold campaign to reach 40% alumni participation offers valuable insights into effective engagement and retention strategies. Here's how they did it: 1️⃣ Integrated Strategy: Focus on engagement, participation, and fundraising to drive overall success. Cultivate a sense of belonging among donors through various initiatives. 2️⃣ Growing Volunteer Network: Recruit alumni volunteers to connect with classmates, fostering a culture of giving and involvement. 3️⃣ Innovative Fundraising Campaigns: Launch initiatives like "One Tribe, One Day" to generate excitement and encourage participation, leveraging the power of collective giving. 4️⃣ Retention over Acquisition: Prioritize retaining existing donors through personalized strategies, recognizing loyal supporters, and implementing student philanthropy programs. 5️⃣ Leadership Buy-In: Secure commitment from top leadership to drive advancement efforts and instill a culture of philanthropy throughout the institution. By focusing on engagement and retention while garnering leadership support, William & Mary successfully doubled their alumni giving rate. Institutions can replicate this success by prioritizing participation and fostering a culture of philanthropy across all levels. #AlumniEngagement #FundraisingSuccess #PhilanthropyCulture
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In nearly thirty years of working with inspiring leaders, iconic companies, brilliant teams, and complex challenges, I've learned a thing or two. And one of the most valuable lessons I've picked up along the way is the importance of giving more than you take. Believe me, this principle applies not only to your school days but also in the present moment, maybe more than ever. For those of you that have been through it, you know founding a nonprofit is no small task. It can get pretty messy, there's always a shortage of funds, volunteers and staff, and you're constantly seeking better ways to support your community. But at the core of it all is that beautiful, innate desire we humans have to make a difference and give back. There are nearly two million nonprofits in the US alone, accounting for roughly 5.3% of the US's total GDP and 9.2% of all wages and salaries. Trillions of dollars in impact are felt across the world all stemming from the everyday actions of people doing good. When Susanne and I founded BPI, it was with the intention of helping young adults in our community that were falling through the cracks- underemployed, unskilled, lacking resources to build a future. It's a fact that a high school diploma alone is unfortunately not enough in today's job market. In fact, it's almost equivalent to dropping out. Can you believe that? About 90% of the jobs in our state require some form of post-secondary education, but not all of them require a four-year degree. A university experience is not for everyone and is increasingly out of range for most families. Meanwhile, there are tens of thousands of good paying jobs waiting to be filled if only we can connect those students with both the training and employment opportunities available. At BPI, we decided to help accelerate the path to meaningful careers through CTE (career and technical education), by getting young adults into apprenticeships, paid training programs, and skilled trade certifications. On top of scholarships, we fund the nonprofits in our community that are working to eliminate the wide variety of barriers facing young adults including access to childcare, transportation, required tools and materials, and testing fees. Hitting just one of these obstacles can derail the entire future of a promising person. We believe that everyone has a combination of time, talent, and treasure to give in making things a little better for our neighbors. I’m excited to be a small part of those two million US nonprofits. For those of you who are supporting that community, thank you. For those of you who have not yet taken the leap, will you join us? www.bpicharity.org
BPI is a Colorado 501(C)(3) nonprofit focused on advancing CTE and skills-based opportunities for graduating high school seniors
bpicharity.org
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Thrilled to share our new survey of #educational #advancement leaders. Significant drop in confidence among sr. level leaders in reaching financial goals. Key insights on range of topics from impact of #campus #protests to #jobsatisfaction to use of #AI to factors affecting donor solicitations. #highered #philanthropy #fundraising #collegesanduniversities #advancementmovingforward (https://lnkd.in/e4TX9yaC)
Advancement Moving Forward: Update on the State of the Profession
https://www.wash-mcg.com
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First-Generation College Students and Professionals are getting recognition (and funding!). More organizations and philanthropists are starting to recognize that the next wave of first-generation talent represents a great need and an even greater opportunity. The great need comes from the fact that more First-Generation College Students are entering a volatile job market where change is constant and fewer employers are devoting resources to proper onboarding and mentorship programs. The even greater opportunity lies in the skills, resilience, and drive inherent in this first-generation talent. These recent graduates are exactly the employees who will help organizations navigate times of change and uncertainty. Philanthropists such as MacKenzie Scott recognize this unique dynamic, which is why she has donated $12 million to a nonprofit that trains low-income First-Generation College Students in professional and interpersonal skills. This is a unique time to be a First-Generation Graduate and Professional. How are you seizing the opportunity? #firstgenerationprofessionals #investment #opportunity
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December holds a special significance for me, marking the time when I proudly walked across the stage in 2021 to accept my Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management degree from the University of Houston-Downtown. Despite the uncertainties of the COVID era, I managed to complete the program within a year and a half of commencement. The global chaos during my graduation period didn't deter my commitment to learning and growing in the field of Nonprofit Management. The experience broadened my perspective on both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. I was fortunate to be mentored by distinguished professors who, as Presidents and CEOs of renowned nonprofit organizations, imparted invaluable knowledge, preparing me for a meaningful role in the sector. My academic journey exposed me to various facets of the nonprofit landscape, and I developed a keen interest in areas such as Strategic Planning, Nonprofit Governance, Fundraising, and Volunteer Engagement. The insights gained during my studies transformed my understanding of the world, people, philanthropy, and business. Recently, I made the decision to integrate Nonprofit Consultations as an additional service within Regal Virtual Assistant Services. This choice arose after being approached for advice on creating and managing nonprofits on multiple occasions. Now, I have the privilege of leveraging my passion and expertise to make a positive impact, creating opportunities to change lives. #RegalVAServices #SimplifyAndElevate #VAServices #VirtualProfessionals #BusinessProductivity #Recruitment #WorkflowOptimization #DigitalProductivity #VirtualTeam #AdminSupport #EfficiencyBoost #MyThoughtsThursday
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Meet the Leaders Behind the Movement: PLAN4SUCCESS College Advisory Board! LEADERSHIP~ VOICE~ EMPOWERMENT As the driving force of a transformative initiative that seeks to empower college students across the nation, our College Advisory Board plays a pivotal role. Each member brings their unique talents and dedication to the table, guiding their peers towards a future where success is not just a goal but a shared journey. Let's celebrate our inaugural board members: President - Williams: At the helm of our College Advisory Board is Williams, a Political Science major from Tulane University. With her leadership, she helps to set the strategic direction, ensuring that our mission aligns with the needs and aspirations of students everywhere. Williams embodies the spirit of PLAN4SUCCESS, leading with integrity and a vision for a brighter future. These leaders are not just board members; they are the architects of a movement that champions academic and personal growth through collaboration and community engagement. Their dedication and vision pave the way for a future where every student can thrive. 📣 Call to Action 📣 Join the Movement: If you're from the Chicagoland area and aspire to transform your college experience, the PLAN4SUCCESS College Cohort is for you. Embark on this journey with us and unlock your full potential. Together, we can achieve greatness. Support Our Cause: Your contributions fuel our initiatives, partnerships, and scholarship drives. Every donation brings us closer to our goal of empowering every student to reach their highest aspirations. Donate now at https://lnkd.in/gWzRbiW5 and be a part of a lasting impact. Let’s embrace this journey together. Join (https://lnkd.in/gH6hXNNA). Support. Thrive. With PLAN4SUCCESS, the future is bright and full of possibilities. PPLAN4Success#CollegeSuccess #Empowerment
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"Education is the second-largest destination for philanthropy behind religion, but it all goes to colleges and private schools." Let's change that with The Endowment Project Foundation, aiming to raise funds for every public high school in the country. Learn more about how we're transforming public education in Richmond Magazine, below! #Education #Philanthropy #SupportPublicSchools #TheEndowmentProject
Going Public
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Impacted by his personal experience in under-funded schools, PRACTICE Benefit Corp and CEO Karim Abouelnaga, SHRM-SCP is building a company that aims to close the achievement gap in public #education. With an entrepreneurial #mindset, he's setting goals that go beyond the bottom line to impact children, families and communities. “I thought for-profit solutions, especially in public education working with low-income children, was an absolute no-no. But I learned that it wasn't about for-profit or nonprofit. It was always more about ownership." Read more about his mission-driven journey here: https://on.ypo.org/3W1pije #BusinessForGood #purpose #impact #entrepreneurship YPO Southeast U.S. & Caribbean #YPOFlorida
Karim Abouelnaga’s Mission to Close the Achievement Gap
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