Developing the kind of aspirational, destination board that changes the trajectory of your institution's fundraising performance requires planning, collaboration, communication, courage and commitment to iterative change. Participate in a facilitated conversation with two institutions that are at difference stages of board and fundraising maturity to gain insight and ideas to take back to your foundation that will help you to grow engagement and improve fundraising outcomes.

Join Dr. Mautra Jones, Oklahoma City Community College President and Tracey Storey, BWF’s Associate VP to gain insights into how to leverage strategic planning as a powerful tool for institutional growth and success. This forward-thinking case study not only maps out how Oklahoma City Community College crafted an ambitious strategic plan but also how the plan is both deeply intertwined with the college’s foundational values and an ambitious statement about the college’s future. Ideal for those poised to initiate their own strategic plan or seeking innovative approaches to foster a culture of creative collaboration, this presentation will inspire you to embrace strategic thinking. Learn how to effectively align your mission with actionable strategies that cater to the needs of your community. This is a unique opportunity to Prepare to be inspired and to harness strategic planning's potential to revolutionize your college's future.

During the 90th anniversary of Tyler Junior College (TJC), an initiative was launched to transform an out of date municipal auditorium into a comprehensive performing arts center. Originally, community members came forward to address limited renovations due to safety concerns. Due to their leadership and generosity, the vision emerged for a $13.5 million project supported by a successful $8.5 million Campaign for the Performing Arts.

This session will feature a case study of the Campaign, which raised more $8.6 million towards the new facility and two accompanying outdoor spaces. This was the first, more traditional campaign for TJC and the Tyler Junior College Foundation, which strategically engaged resources to successfully implement an education and cultivation phase, leadership fundraising and a more public initiative to gain new contributors and establish an endowment to preserve the new center.

What started as a small-scale remodel, became “the little campaign that could”, moving full steam ahead to provide a new, high quality, arts center serving TJC legacy arts programs and the East Texas region; build new partnerships with various community organizations; and, engage a new base of contributors through the Tyler Junior College Foundation.

Faced with a shrinking student population and a regional college attainment rate that was 20% lower than the state average, this rural Appalachian community college implemented a fundraising plan and creative solutions to changing the trajectory of its enrollment and the region's future economic viability.

An accelerated endowment or capital campaign will test an organization's advancement operations. Is your advancement office prepared to take on a campaign? Learn how one advancement office successfully navigated an accelerated campaign and and as a result transformed their strategy and operations post campaign. This case study explores how this office integrated data analytics, strategic planning, and staff development post campaign to reach new fundraising goals, cultivate new donors, and grow their office to meet new challenges.

A productive, effective, and collaborative working relationship between a college and its foundation is important to an effective campus culture of philanthropy during normal times. In times of crisis or uncertainty, it is essential. When a Foundation experiences a loss of leadership, the relationship between the college and the foundation becomes pivotal. In times of sudden change, this partnership must quickly coalesce around necessary and urgent decisions to address the situation, while also providing a sense of continuity and stability, especially if the institution is planning a major philanthropic initiative or campaign. This session will feature a college leader to share their experience working with their Foundation to respond to an unforeseen loss of leadership at the Foundation. They will share the fundamentals of a strong working relationship, how they confronted the day-to-day and longer-term challenges and opportunities presented by the situation and reflect on some practical tools that were helpful during this period of uncertainty and loss. From communicating with donors and providing continuity, to effectively inspiring staff in the absence of the Executive Director, this session will underscore the importance of contingency planning and preparedness between a college and its Foundation.

Strategic institution-foundation alignment and board engagement are drivers of fundraising success. At many community colleges, the foundation board represents an untapped resource and campus and foundation leaders are out of step. This session will share strategies to engage the foundation board as philanthropic leaders and develop a high-impact college-foundation partnership focused on growing major gifts. We will share guidance on foundation strategy and planning, board development, and practices to foster a culture of collaboration between college and foundation leaders.

Imagine expanding your advancement and marketing team without stretching your budget. At Carroll Community College, we unlocked this possibility through a transformative approach to social media employee advocacy. By empowering our faculty and staff to amplify their professional brands and thought leadership online, we've not only broadened our institutional reach but have also deepened our community connections and ventured into new networks. This presentation will explore the pivotal role of social media advocacy as a budget-friendly strategy, increasing awareness, enhancing alumni relations, boosting fundraising efforts, and building strategic partnerships—all at no additional cost.

Join us to explore the art and science of developing a dynamic Corporate Partnership Program that not only streamlines the ask for corporate supporters but also enhances their engagement experience. In this session, we delve into the strategic creation of a menu-style offering, simplifying the selection process for potential partners. Learn how to tailor benefits that resonate deeply with corporate values, fostering meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships. Plus, attendees will receive sample templates and materials to kickstart their own partnership programs. Don't miss out on discovering the keys to crafting a cohesive partnership program that seamlessly aligns with corporate objectives while maximizing impact for both parties involved.

Imagine your alumni advocating for your school inside your largest community employers, connecting you to resources and opening partnership opportunities. This presentation features insights from an Alumni Council leader, as well as the infrastructure and relationship building ideas that helped to make this possible.