In a time when institutions are relying on larger gifts from a shrinking number of donors, it is more important than ever to locate, inspire, and retain our best philanthropic supporters.  These donors – at all levels – are increasingly seeking mission-driven giving opportunities that allow them to make the impacts that are most significant for them, and it is the shared expertise of development officers and their academic & leadership colleagues that ultimately generates the big ideas and big gifts that are so critical for higher education today.