New Book Explores Fundraising at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Nelson Bowman, III, a director of development at  Prairie View A&M University, has co-authored a new book exploring fundraising at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Bowman teamed with University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education professor Marybeth Gasman to pen "A Guide to Fundraising at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: An All-Campus Approach.” The book is a comprehensive research-based work that delivers best practices, recommendations and expertise about philanthropy for minority-serving institutions.

In preparation for the book, Bowman and Gasman interviewed successful HBCU presidents and institutional advancement authorities across the country to discuss engaging foundations, leaders in the private sector and government officials. The interviewees shared ways to advance fundraising efforts at HBCUs from unproductive, out-of-date approaches to establishing sustainable development.

"Everyone we spoke with, while eager to share their successes, was even more elated that we were expanding the research in this field and creating a user-friendly guide,” Bowman said.  "The overwhelming consensus centered on wanting all HBCUs to enhance their growth and prosperity.  It will be interesting to see what type of shift happens in HBCU fundraising over the next few years.”

The book addresses the roles of the university president, deans and faculty, alumni giving, engagement with key audiences, working with affinity groups, corporate and foundation giving, how to build an endowment, telling a better story and innovative fundraising.

Bowman and Gasman have collaborated for the past few years on fundraising among HBCUs and how it’s linked to their sustainability. "Our work outlines how critical HBCUs are to meeting our nation’s educational attainment goals, but at the same time, how their future really depends on fundraising,” Gasman said.