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Higher Ed in Crisis: Strategies for Raising Funds in a Challenging Environment | March 18, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
Higher-ed fundraising faces a precarious situation. With worsening public sentiment around the value of a degree, declining enrollment across many campuses, and further restrictions to the types of work donors can fund, it can be extremely difficult to rally similar levels of financial support from the usual sources. The retraction of federal funding across institutions and the ever-crowding marketplace of causes has compounded the challenge—and made it all the more imperative to lean on donor support to make up for budgetary shortfalls.

To help advancement and development leaders, as well as academic leaders tasked with fundraising responsibilities, navigate these issues and better support both institutional and donor needs, The Chronicle’s Ian Wilhelm will host a premium webinar on raising funds in this challenging environment. This 75-minute conversation with leading experts will provide keen insights on big-picture advancement issues and practical tips to use in your own efforts.

This timely virtual event will cover:
 
 
 
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How the rapid-fire federal-policy changes affect institutional fundraising, the role of advancement and development officers, and likely increase the demand for private funds to support research and other key activities;
 
 
 
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Ways to improve outreach to alumni, especially younger ones, in today’s tech-driven world;
 
 
 
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Tips to improve coordination and communication between the fundraising office and deans and other academic leaders;
 
 
 
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Advice for how to highlight a college’s mission in a crowded marketplace of causes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Your institution’s success hinges on your advancement goals. Be sure to sign up for this important event to stay informed on today’s greatest fundraising challenges and strategize for success.