The most successful fundraising efforts don’t just come from advancement offices, they come from strong partnerships between college leadership and advancement teams. When deans, directors, and academic leaders see philanthropy as part of their role, everything changes.
Here are the best practices we’ve seen from university leaders who consistently help their colleges raise more money, build stronger donor relationships, and create lasting impact.
1. Include Advancement in Leadership Meetings
The advancement officer isn’t just an occasional guest, they’re part of the dean’s leadership team. When advancement is at the table for regular meetings, they stay in the loop on college priorities, emerging initiatives, and key challenges. That awareness translates directly into more strategic donor conversations.
2. Be Willing to Travel and Champion Philanthropy
Top deans understand that philanthropy fuels everything from scholarships to faculty research. They make time to travel with advancement, meet with donors, and share the college’s story firsthand. Their presence signals to donors that giving is essential, not optional.
3. Speak Clearly About Fundraising Priorities
Great academic leaders can articulate their college’s top funding priorities in plain, compelling language. They keep students at the center of the story, showing how philanthropy changes lives, drives innovation, and strengthens the university’s mission.
4. Support Donor Engagement in All Formats
Whether it’s a Zoom call, an in-person visit, or a quick phone conversation, these leaders show up. They understand that every touchpoint matters, and their willingness to participate helps close the gap between interest and commitment.
5. Help Maintain Donor Relationships Between Big Moments
After a big meeting or event, great leaders stay engaged. They collaborate with advancement on personalized follow-up messages, send meaningful email updates, and keep donors connected to the ongoing story of the college.
6. Share New Prospect Leads and Collaborate on Strategy
When they meet someone who might be a good fit, they pass the name along. They don’t just hand it off, they talk through the right engagement strategy, helping advancement build real relationships with new prospects.
7. Use LinkedIn to Highlight the College and Its Impact
Leaders who post about students, faculty, and donor impact are often surprised by what happens next. New donor leads appear in the comments. Authentic storytelling online builds visibility and credibility in ways that traditional outreach can’t.
8. Make the Most of Their Advisory Boards
Advisory Board members are incredible assets when used well. Strong deans lead engaging meetings that encourage participation, spark discussion, and inspire members to use their time, talent, and treasure in meaningful ways.
9. Give Honest Feedback to Help Advancement Improve
When something in advancement isn’t working, effective leaders speak up. They share constructive feedback that helps the team adjust quickly and refine their approach because everyone’s goal is the same: to move the mission forward.
10. Share How Annual Funds Are Used
They don’t let unrestricted or annual support fade into the background. They communicate how those dollars make an immediate difference for students and thus reinforcing the impact of consistent giving and stewardship.
11. Encourage Faculty to Engage with Advancement
Faculty are some of the best ambassadors a college has. Great leaders actively encourage department chairs and faculty to partner with advancement so they meet donors, share their research, and help make the case for support.
12. Celebrate Gifts Publicly and Personally
They never let a gift go unnoticed. Whether it’s a social post or a college event, they celebrate gifts in ways that make donors feel deeply appreciated and inspire others to give.
13. Take Stewardship Seriously
Finally, they follow through. They make sure gifts are used as intended, and they personally thank donors in addition to formal acknowledgments from the advancement office.
When college leadership and advancement work hand in hand, fundraising gets taken o the next level.
Forward Fundraisers 