New Digital Resources to Support Philanthropy at African Universities
CASE and researchers from Loughborough University's geography and environment department have worked with practitioners in Africa to develop new digital advancement resources, including an app, a website, podcasts, and videos.
The 12-month project, funded by an award from the Higher Education Innovation Fund, builds on CASE's 15 years of experience working with African universities and the extensive research in philanthropy and university funding conducted by Loughborough University's School of Social Sciences and Humanities.
The project brought together practitioners from:
- the University of Ghana,
- Strathmore University (Kenya),
- Lagos Business School,
- the University of Ibadan (Nigeria),
- the University of Cape Town, and
- the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa).
The resources are now freely available as well as on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
The app and website cover four key areas, with case studies and insights from a wide range of African higher education institutions:
- Getting started in advancement, including priorities on a budget and developing a fundraising strategy.
- Advancement strategies, including corporate fundraising and communicating with alumni.
- Practicing advancement, including understanding cultures of giving and using databases.
- The role of leadership, including measuring success and learning from others.
“This app provides our African community with exactly what they tell us they need—digital access to the best ideas and case studies about how to fundraise successfully," said Bruce Bernstein, executive director of CASE Europe. "As the African community scales up its expertise, so too can the application scale up. We hope this app will become a model for similar products serving other regions."
Ronica Ramsout, head of research and information systems at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and a contributor to the project, said: “This series of digital resources will assist African HEIs to accelerate the development of their advancement practices and position themselves to attract philanthropic income.”
Debo Adeosun, director of advancement at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, commented: “I consider these resources a veritable asset for both new and experienced advancement professionals. I recommend them to tertiary institutions, especially in Africa where educational advancement is beginning to be appreciated.”
Michael Hoyler, reader in human geography at Loughborough University and one of the project leaders, added: “A key aim of the project was to co-produce digital resources that are sensitive to the specific contexts of African higher education. We are delighted with the outcome which highlights the importance of bringing together research insights and practitioner experience for the future success of advancement activities in universities internationally.”
Other members of the Loughborough University team in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities included Morag Bell, James Esson, and Amil Mohanan. The 12-month Enterprise Project was funded by an award from the Higher Education Innovation Fund.
About Loughborough University
Loughborough is one of the UK’s leading universities, with an international reputation across its academic disciplines for research that matters, excellence in teaching, and strong links with external organisations in business, industry and the professions. The University has been awarded five stars in the global independent QS Stars university rating scheme. It is ranked in the top 10 of every UK national league table, and in recognition of its contribution to the higher education sector it has been awarded seven Queen’s Anniversary Prizes. The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. Learn more information about the University.
About CASE
CASE—the Council for Advancement and Support of Education—is a global, not-for-profit membership association with a vision to advance education to transform lives and society.
CASE is the home for advancement professionals, inspiring, challenging, and equipping them to act effectively and with integrity to champion the success of their institutions. CASE defines the competencies and standards for the profession of advancement, leading, and championing their dissemination and application with more than 97,000 advancement professionals at 3,100 member institutions in 80 countries.
Broad and growing communities of professionals gather under the global CASE umbrella. Currently these include alumni relations, development services, communications, fundraising, government relations, and marketing. These professionals are at all stages of their careers and may be working in universities, schools, colleges, cultural institutions, or other not-for-profits. CASE uses the intellectual capital and professional talents of a community of international volunteers to advance its work, and its membership includes many educational partners who work closely with the educational sector.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CASE works across all continents from its regional offices in London, Singapore, and Mexico City to achieve a seamless experience for all its stakeholders, particularly its members, volunteers, and staff.