fundraising

New study highlights advancement leader priorities, budget shifts

Brian GaworVice President of ResearchMay 1, 2017
Ruffalo Noel Levitz recently commissioned a major research project to better understand advancement leader priorities, challenges, and strategies. Through 40 in-depth interviews with higher education leaders across the country, we uncovered what chief advancement officersare really thinking about the future.
The interviewees were chief advancement officers and leaders with a 360 degree view of their organizations, including budgets, performance metrics, and where the resources are going. More than just a survey, these interviews got to the heart of the top priorities. We listened to the leaders talk and captured a wealth of powerful quotes and insights.

What’s keeping advancement leaders up at night?

Some key insights include:

  • 90 percent of advancement leaders say booking big dollars is their number-one priority and the metric they are judged on.
  • Leaders are shifting resources to direct solicitation in major, planned and annual giving. Productivity and efficiency are a big focus.
  • New digital channels like crowdfunding, giving days, and targeted digital advertising are getting greater funding over the next few years.

Get the full report

Read our report on advancement leader prioritiesDownload this report to find out where higher education advancement is today, and where it’s headed. You’ll learn:
  • 5 key insights into today’s challenges
  • Top advancement leader priorities and where they plan to spend their time and budget in the next few years
  • Actionable takeaways for increasing productivity and thriving in the current higher education fundraising landscape

Download Advancement Leaders Speak to see the full results.

Listen to the podcast


About the Author

Brian Gawor

Brian Gawor’s focus is research and strategy to help propel both alumni engagement and fundraising results of RNL clients. Brian has 25 years of higher education experience in student affairs, enrollment management, alumni engagement and...

Read more about Brian's experience and expertise

Reach Brian by e-mail at Brian.Gawor@RuffaloNL.com.


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