Dive Brief:
- The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) this week announced plans to expand its Fund for Academic Renewal program, which pledges to help donors to colleges and universities more effectively target and monitor their gift and performance under its intended purpose.
- According to a release, the program will center its services around helping philanthropists to maximize their gifts through strategic planning, or through pooling with other donors to create more impact with their giving.
- The planning and support services will be free of charge to intentional donors.
Dive Insight:
If this kind of program gains national traction, it could be a game changer for institutions which already deal with high-level donors who seek large voice in institutional direction and vision. Schools like Wayne State University and the University of Oregon, which have made headlines for the gifts and conditions of influence set by their donors, may have even more latitude to exercise their vision with legal support from outside counsel.
Schools should take note and prepare to have honest conversations with existing and courted donors about conditions, monitoring and expectations surrounding gifts before donors themselves take the lead.