Charitable Gift Law
Good Question Q: We are starting an international fundraising program and will be asking foreign alumni for gifts. Can donors in other countries receive tax benefits or deductions for gifts to our institution?

Reversal of Fortune
CURRENTS Article University College London sees a big return with a fundraising appeal that thinks outside the box.

Looking for Donors in Emerging Markets
Article David Rubenstein, one of America’s most recognized philanthropists, recently told education fundraisers that China is the best place for them to invest their resources outside of the United States.

Following Suit
CURRENTS Article These days, it's not a matter of whether higher education institutions should be involved in global fundraising, but how. Tactics described here range from tapping into existing international relationships forged by faculty through academic programs to having an international presence on governing and advising boards.

Emerging Fundraising Opportunities in Asia
Podcast Hear Marc Weinstein from McGill University explain why it takes a substantial commitment for a western institution to successfully enter and stay in the Asia-Pacific market. Also, hear his advice on how to make personal connections with potential donors in the region.

Westerners Adjust to Advancement Leadership Positions in East
Article A growing number of experienced advancement professionals from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom are taking leadership positions at institutions relatively new to the field in the Asia-Pacific region. Their adjustment depends on various factors, says one expert who recently made the move.

College, University Foreign Gift Disclosure Reports Due on July 31
Article U.S. colleges and universities that have received charitable gifts of $250,000 or more from foreign sources in the last six months must file a disclosure report with the U.S. Department of Education.

Eastward Bound
CURRENTS Article In Asia, independent schools find newly wealthy parents receptive to educational fundraising.

Map Quest
CURRENTS Article Wealth and philanthropy are undergoing a dramatic global shift, and fundraisers at educational institutions must respond by looking beyond their national borders for prospective donors. In this article, consultant Jay Frost provides tips on how to do successful international prospect research using Sherpa guides, database screening, etc.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words
CURRENTS Article As Hong Kong’s education institutions begin to solicit private funding, people there are learning to adapt Western advancement techniques to their singular philanthropic culture. Wong, a Hong Kong advancement professional, explains some of the differences between the two cultures’ approaches to major giving and notes trends that may soon make fund raising there both more important and more difficult.

Getting Closer to Cross-Border Charitable Giving in Europe
Article Europe-based charities can now take advantage of UK charity tax reliefs, a move that could signal a more liberal flow of giving between European member states.

Across Frontiers: New International Perspectives on Educational Fundraising
Product This multi-author book addresses the international aspect of fundraising for higher education. Chapters look at fundraising in China, philanthropy in the Arab region, international prospect research, campaigns, the annual fund, satellite offices, foundation support and corporate support. Includes online appendix material about country-specific guidelines for obtaining gifts.

Brussels Court Makes Landmark Ruling on Foreign Donations
Article A recent ruling by a Brussels court on cross-border donations will “make it easier” for universities in the United Kingdom and other European Union countries to solicit foreign donations.

Potential Seen in International Parent Programs
Article Engaging and stewarding parents from different parts of the world can be challenging.

International Parent Major Gift Fundraising
Product This webinar explores the challenges of dealing with international parents in a fundraising context. Discussion topics include prospecting, engagement, cultivation, solicitation and staffing. This multimedia file is a recording of a webinar originally presented June 4, 2009.

Year of the Rat
CURRENTS Article Fundraising the Asian-Pacific region can be challenging. But navigating those challenges can reap huge rewards.

The British - And Everyone Else - Are Coming
CURRENTS Article In an increasingly smaller world, international fundraising is no longer a luxury ... it's a must. Institutions from the UK are courting U.S. donors to make significant gifts abroad, while more and more European institutions are adopting American-style philanthropy.

EU Tax Relief Good News for Universities, Other Nonprofits
Article A recent European court ruling on tax relief could make it more attractive for universities in the United Kingdom and across Europe to compete for donors in other European Union countries.

Postcard from Melbourne
CURRENTS Article The University of Melbourne creates a culture of philanthropy in just two short years, thoroughly disproving the notion that you can't raise money at Australian universities.

As the World Turns
CURRENTS Article Development is a relatively recent activity in European independent schools, which have unique cultural and historical challenges regarding fundraising. This article describes what the challenges are and how several schools abroad are overcoming them. One important strategy is having a strong development team made up of the head of school, the board chair, and the development director. Each has a specific and critical role to play.

Closing Remarks: Global Lessons
CURRENTS Article Contrary to popular belief, Americans did not invent education fund raising. Instead, they turned into a profession the centuries-old practice the British called "benefaction-chasing." The author reflects on how things have changed since the early 1990s, when Europeans were eager to learn "American-style" fund raising. Today, with the rapid pace of advancement innovation outside North America, the rest of the world may soon beat the United States at its own game.

Globe-Trotting
CURRENTS Article As the world shrinks, the ideas, knowledge, traditions, and transactions affiliated with advancement cross borders with increasing ease. To better understand why institutions worldwide are launching or strengthening advancement operations, CURRENTS talked with five experienced pros about how globalization is changing the way they engage donors, serve alumni, and communicate with stakeholders. Part of the issue focus on five forces shaping advancement.

From a Sprinkle to a Shower
CURRENTS Article Once rare, education fund raising has taken off in continental Europe

Campaign Strategies: Worldwide Appeal
CURRENTS Article Making the effort to connect with overseas prospects can help make a campaign a success. The challenge is in finding the right way to make contact and in bridging cultural differences. The author shares his experience working with prospects and donors in Asia.

Earning the Right to Ask
CURRENTS Article The first step in international fund raising is to ensure that the entire institution -- not just the advancement office -- welcomes and values its global constituency. Consultant Connor describes five characteristics of successful institutions: 1) Internationalism is mission-driven. 2) Everyone is on board. 3) External messages are centrally coordinated. 4) The campus is marketing-oriented. 5) The campus is committed to long-term efforts without expecting short-term results. Connor offers seven suggestions for creating long-term relationships with international families, such as involving international students in institutional life and promoting cultural respect in the campus community. A sidebar provides six tips for cultivating and soliciting gifts from international prospects.

World-Class Annual Funds
CURRENTS Article Wondering how you might broaden your annual fund campaign to include prospects outside the United States? Consider these tips: 1) target those countries where your alumni are most concentrated; 2) follow your campus’ strengths by targeting countries where faculty already possess expertise; and 3) focus on building ties with parents. How can you keep overseas prospects connected to your institution? Consider establishing an alumni association just for alumni in a particular part of the world, and encourage volunteers with overseas connections to get involved. When communicating about the importance of philanthropy, remember that approaches to natives of other countries and U.S. expatriates need to be different. When wondering if you should use English in all correspondence, use English if you teach in English.