Fund Development Strategies from Higher Education for K-12 Administrators

Oct 15, 2026

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Increasingly, K-12 administrators must secure greater funding for their systems and schools. This article outlines fund development practices used in higher education and translates them into actionable strategies for K-12 leaders. It explains how higher education institutions mobilize resources through nonprofit development structures, fundraising subgroups, alumni efforts, and structured donor engagement. It also highlights professional development needs so administrators can implement these approaches effectively.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Higher Education Strategies

Implications for K-12 Administrators

Fund Development Strategies from Higher Education for K-12 Administrators Wayne Padover & Donna Elder National University, Los Angeles Abstract: Increasingly, K-12 administrators must address the need for greater funding for their systems and schools. This article presents methods used in higher education that may be of use to its K-12 colleagues. It further suggests professional development to support school leaders in making use of these strategies. Introduction The need for increased financial resources for instructional services in public schools is a long-standing issue. Superintendents and principals identified it as a main concern in providing quality instructional delivery for students (Kieff,2003) . Higher education institutions, through the leadership of its administration, have historically marshaled financial resources for educational programs, renovation of older buildings, construction of new facilities and additions to libraries to name some popular uses of funds (Pulley, 1999) . Historically, K-12 public education has not enjoyed strong financial support from public or private entities, as compared to the support received by higher education. This paper will explore some of the successful strategies utilized by institutions Volume 19, Fall 2007 133 of higher education to enhance funding for their educational organizations. It will also discuss strategies K-12 administrators can employ to develop increased funding for their instructional programs. Finally, suggestions for administrative training and professional development for K-12 administrators will be provided. Higher Education Strategies Generally speaking, institutions of higher education raise funds through the work of specific subgroups oftheir fund development program. The fund development program is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 501(c)(3) organization designated as a non-profit entity. It is given authority to generate funds which are eligible as tax-exempt contributions by donors. A fund development subgroup sponsors a variety of fundraising activities: e.g., social gatherings, auctions, requests for annual or one time financial contributions. Another component of the fund development program serves to gather donations of real estate or other special assets such as art objects which can be sold or utilized in other ways. Another thrust of the university/college development program is the alumni association which concentrates its efforts to raise funds from former students of the institution. Donors are requested to include the university/college in their wills or trusts. The team approach to fund development is often encouraged and not only involves alumni but faculty, past supporters, students as well as friends and family of these groups (Higdon, 2003) . Not only have four-year institutions of higher education embarked on concerted efforts to increase local financial resources, two-year community colleges have become increasingly aggressive since 1980 as well. Their impetus was a general decrease in funding for public two-year institutions throughout the nation during those years. Since that time, most two-year colleges in America have become fundraising entities. These institutions have begun to compete successfully with four-year institutions to gain large gifts from donors. As an example, the William H. Gates Foundation provided one of its largest gifts to the WashingtonSeattle Community Colleges (Van der Werf, 1999) . Implications for K-12 Administrators Successful fundraising strategies utilized by institutions of higher education can be effectively implemented, with some modifications, by K- 12 administrators. The fund development organizations referenced above are similar to Local Education Foundations (LEFs) currently operating in an estimated 4,000 K-12 schools and school districts throughout the 134 Educational Leadership and Administration United States. These organizations are found throughout the countr

FAQs

Why do K-12 administrators need increased financial resources?

The article states that the need for greater funding for public schools and instructional services is a long-standing concern tied to delivering quality instruction to students.

How do higher education institutions typically raise funds?

They use structured nonprofit fund development programs (such as IRS 501(c)(3) entities) with fundraising activities like gatherings, auctions, and donor solicitations, and they may also collect donations of real estate and other assets.

What K-12 funding mechanisms are compared to higher education approaches?

The article compares higher education development efforts to Local Education Foundations (LEFs) operating in thousands of K-12 schools and districts, describing similar nonprofit boards and fundraising activities such as direct solicitations and community events.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by moss~