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.

A case for support should include your institution’s fundraising priorities, why they are important, and what they will create, if funded. It should be beautifully designed, engaging, and thoughtfully written. Here's how to do that.

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.

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.

What members are thinking and sharing: guidelines for statements on public issues, alumni awards celebrations, and more.

When it comes to data, we often believe more are better. We look at all the metrics we can track and spend hours studying spreadsheets and reports. But instead what we really need to do is ask the right questions and learn to trust our data.

Lisa German, dean of libraries at the University of Minnesota, knows more than a little about working with her staff through a crisis. Here, she shares advice on internal communications, leadership, and building community.