In 2011, the Alumni/ae Council at St. Paul Academy and Summit School in Minnesota was nearly nonexistent. Other than holding monthly meetings and a lackluster fundraising phonathon, the council sponsored no programs or events; it did not follow its bylaws and had no reporting structure or processes for recruiting new members. Most of the 11 council members were suffering from volunteer fatigue, particularly the president. Few members attended meetings, which were unproductive. The council frequently discussed the need to recruit new members but never developed an action plan.

Diverse, inclusive teams are more productive, more innovative, and more likely to retain and recruit talent. Advancement leaders who want to move the needle on inclusion at their organizations can turn to CASE’s Advancement Inclusion Index. The Index—a first-of-its-kind assessment tool—was just recognized with a Power of Associations Award from ASAE. Learn more.

Among the most rewarding aspects of our work in advancing education is creating opportunities for others. Through effective marketing and communications, ambitious fundraising, engaging alumni relations programs, and persuasive advocacy, we help institutions transform lives for millions around the world.

Public regional universities are becoming a popular choice for college students because they are accessible both geographically and financially. They are located across all 50 states, and while we may not hear much about these institutions in the national media, they are more than meeting the mission of higher education with cutting-edge pathways for diverse student populations. Find out how four of them are doing it.

There's magic in gathering institutional and volunteer leaders for a deliberate, focused, and productive discussion about the current situation and future direction of the institution. Here's a how-to guide for convening an effective board retreat.

"I'm happy to do anything, except ask for money." Work in educational advancement long enough, and you'll probably hear those words from a foundation or governing board member. For some volunteers, asking for financial gifts produces anxiety—and most people are already dealing with pressure in their life. The last thing they need is more stress from a volunteer job. Discomfort with asking can be a major stumbling block for fundraising success. But the ask is only one step in a larger creative process that's intentionally managed to attract donor investment. Reluctant board members can still help our cause, even if they're not making an ask. Here's how to play to their strengths.

Prominent entrepreneur, philanthropist and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg will speak at the 2018 Summit for Leaders in Advancement in New York City.

In too many organizations, advancement is lagging on diversity, equity, and inclusion when it should be leading—and leading proactively. To build inclusive cultures and achieve real success in DEI objectives, advancement teams have to move from awareness to assessment to understanding. It's action with accountability. In this book excerpt, Angelique Grant and Ronald J. Schiller share key steps for leaders to do that.

The CASE Library has assembled a list of favorite resources covering nonprofit boards; school, college and university governing boards; and institutionally related foundation boards. Books on our list help answer questions about board roles, responsibilities, structure and committees, meetings and new member orientation. Research reports are included to help members locate data about board composition, policies and practices.

Awards Honor Philanthropic Leaders, Volunteers, and Supporters of Higher Education.