Most of us have been in a meeting where someone shares an interesting idea or earnest suggestion only to be shot down based on one donor or colleague's feedback: “So-and-so won’t go for that!” And, in recent years, we've all racked our brains for a measured response to frustrated emails and voicemails from university constituents, often about topics and events we simply can't control.

What does it mean to operate from a place of fear in our work—from endless what-ifs and what-abouts— instead of focusing on what could go right, and what we’re doing well? Even as we navigate campus controversies and a range of strong opinions, how can donor relations professionals resist a fear-based mindset (fixating on mistakes, anticipating reactions, squashing innovation) in favor of an approach that empowers our teammates, satisfies and celebrates our donors, and champions our values as an institution?

Emily Brorby and Kelly Monroe, donor relations staff at Stanford University, will share concrete strategies to create a workplace culture of curiosity, trust, idea-sharing, and mutual respect while facing donor relations challenges. We will share case studies of tough donor communications and highlight opportunities to build resilience and openness among your team members. These tools to cultivate an empowered donor relations approach apply to individual contributors, managers, and leaders advocating for change or seeking buy-in with your development colleagues.

In the fall of 2024, CASE partnered with FundMiner to launch a Roundtable Series aimed at exploring and developing a common framework for fund management practices, guidelines, and standards. These roundtables included 30+ CASE member institutions, addressing four key areas of fund management practice. This session will present the results from each of the four sessions, showcasing one institution in each discussion area:
• Fund management Oversight, Transparency, and Accountability
• Common Standards in Fund Management
• Impact and Financial Reporting
• Monitoring, Hygiene and Best Practices in Fund Management

Discover how Colorado State University has transformed its scholarship stewardship program over the past four years to better reflect its values, mission, and commitment to equity. This session explores the journey of reimagining stewardship, offering key insights into rethinking power dynamics in philanthropy and the lessons learned along the way. From eliminating student barriers and protecting privacy to fostering transparent donor practices, we’ll unpack the strategies, collaborations, and leadership that have shaped this transformation—ensuring that stewardship efforts justly include students and donors. This timely discussion is for all those who advocate for vulnerable communities or work to address inequities in fundraising. You'll leave with knowledge and inspiration to promote more equitable giving relationships, through the lens of donor relations and stewardship.