As educational funding models have changed, and expectations for philanthropic support have become staples of institutional strategy, so too has our need for clear guidance evolved.

Given the fear and uncertainty that data conjures in some advancement professionals, it remains vital for all in advancement to build trust, strengthen communication, and encourage the appropriate level of participation when it comes to data processes. That involves hard work, adaptability, and careful consideration on the parts of data specialists, numbers neophytes, and, of course, institutional leadership.

Circle of Excellence winners showcase three components of great data visualizations

Alumni engagement metrics have come a long way in a short time and are proving to be crucial to advancement teams. With years of solid data under their belts, many in alumni relations are finding significant results from building systems around these metrics, altering their actions in response, and displaying the value of their work to constituents, institutional leadership, and board members.

How to make better data-driven decisions and understand the differences between small and big choices, according to DRIVE/ speaker and choice expert Sheena Iyengar. 

According to the Voluntary Support of Education survey, U.S. higher education institutions raised $49.60 billion in 2018-19, a 6.1% increase over the previous year and the largest amount ever reported.