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During the 90th anniversary of Tyler Junior College (TJC), an initiative was launched to transform an out of date municipal auditorium into a comprehensive performing arts center.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.

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.

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.

Fundraising in rural areas and in those areas experiencing economic hardship represent a real challenge for small and medium-sized Colleges across the nation. In this session, East Georgia State leadership will share their ‘Top 10’ issues for working in these environments and how they are trying to solve them. Is there money in these rural communities to support the mission of the College? If so, how does the leadership team of the College build the relationships and community engagement that is needed and how should those messages be communicated? Following the presentation, they will seek the feedback and advice from those that attend to develop a list of best practices.

Community Colleges fulfill their anchor institution role by fostering access to postsecondary education, supporting local economies, addressing critical workforce shortages, and contributing to public health infrastructure. In this session, you will learn about how to incorporate into your fundraising strategies your Community College’s knowledge and expertise of your local community to help achieve lasting and transformative change, both for the school, and surrounding area.

Bob Whittaker, Executive Director of the Salt Lake Community College Foundation, alongside SLCC's partners at Gravyty, will share wisdom and practical takeaways from SLCC's 2024 Giving Day, their most successful Giving Day yet, and their plans to build on this success in future campaigns. Enjoy a deep dive into SLCC's innovative use of student ambassadors, video communications, and giving gamification, along with their latest endeavor of rolling out Texting as part of their engagement strategy. SLCC's technology partners at Gravyty will co-host the session and share further insight into how other colleges are riding the next wave of digital fundraising innovation!