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.

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.

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.

Addressing the critical need for holistic support for minority students in higher education. While scholarships are essential, they only scratch the surface of what is needed for the success of underrepresented students. Augmenting existing minority cohort programs by raising funds to provide experiential opportunities that foster holistic student development. These experiences include attending leadership conferences, study abroad, participating in mock-interview sessions, engaging in improv session to enhance communication skills, and networking lunches with donors who share similar backgrounds. By investing in these additional opportunities, we aim to empower minority students by enhancing their soft skills, expanding their networks, and fostering their leadership abilities. The presentation will delve into the rationale behind this approach, share success stories, and outline steps for implementation.