Outlook: Connecting the Dots for Donors
CURRENTS Article The author argues that educational institutions need to sell themselves to alumni and potential donors the same way they sell ourselves to prospective students. What can we offer them? What value will they get from giving?

Faith and Fundraising
CURRENTS Article This article examines fundraising practices at schools with religious affiliations. Faith plays an important though usually subtle role in these institutions' advancement efforts because it is often important to the donors they seek out. Overall, development officers at religious colleges, universities, and independent schools use the same tactics as their colleagues working at secular schools. But the religious nature of their schools often creates strong ties between the institution and alumni, parents, and other constituents that can be beneficial when raising funds.

True Confessions
CURRENTS Article Examining fundraising best practices is a great way to improve a development program, but looking at worse practices can also be enlightening. In this story, fundraisers reveal embarrassing blunders that subsequently may prove instructive.

The Way We Ask Now
CURRENTS Article Frontline fundraisers discuss the highs and lows of trying to raise major gifts during the economic downturn.

Career Path: Hook, Line, and Sinker
CURRENTS Article Fishing gave this university president critical lessons on how to work with donors and reel in large fundraisers.

Stranger Than Fiction
CURRENTS Article Any fundraiser has amusing, odd, or unbelievable stories about prospect visits. Here are a few real-life tales.

You're Not Welcome
CURRENTS Article When a major supporter suddenly breaks off connections for no apparent reason, the problem may be burnout.

12 Ways to Blow the Ask
CURRENTS Article Frequently an ask fails because of something the fund raiser does—or neglects to do. Dahnert summarizes 12 common, preventable solicitation errors.