Venture funds are no longer just the domain of institutions in wealthy tech areas. From independent, return-driven vehicles to university/school-operated, mission-aligned programs, institutions of every size are exploring how institutional venture funds, and more broadly the associated institution venture ecosystem, can transform alumni engagement, fuel philanthropic giving, attract entrepreneurial students, and retain faculty talent.

This hands-on pre-conference workshop brings together practitioners running real programs — at large research universities and small liberal arts colleges alike — to give advancement leaders an honest, practical map of the landscape.

Participants will leave with:

1. A clear understanding of the spectrum of fund structures and how to match them to institutional goals
2. Practical knowledge of gift vehicles, legal considerations, and policy constraints (including DAFs and private company equity)
3. Frameworks for integrating venture ecosystems into alumni engagement and fundraising strategy
4. A peer network of colleagues exploring similar programs.

Whether your institution is just beginning to explore the idea or looking to deepen an existing program's integration with advancement strategy, this session delivers actionable frameworks and peer dialogue.