Most of the 50 colleges and universities cited for top foundation grant levels are on the list yearly, and are the nation's wealthiest and most prestigious institutions. Generally, they have staff to pursue funding and faculty with high-profile research projects. Some observers say foundations like to be associated with those colleges. The 1994-95…

Some development officers at historically black colleges are seeking strategies to cultivate white alumni for fund raising, as volunteers, and for recruiting students. The challenges are similar to those faced by predominantly white colleges in reaching black alumni. Some see racial bias as a barrier. (MSE)

An annual survey reveals that private giving to 992 colleges rose 10.3% in 1993-94, 7.6% when adjusted for inflation, the sharpest increase since 1986-87. The trend is attributed to improvement and increasing confidence in the economy. The greatest increase in giving was at public, master's-granting institutions. Alumni provided 28% of total…

With the growth of the stock market in the 1990s, donations of $30-million and more to colleges and universities are becoming common, and there are more large gifts in general than ever before. These donations have a major impact on smaller institutions. Information on major private gifts and grants since 1967 is presented. (MSE)

A national study found private giving to colleges rose substantially in 1996, largely due to strong stock market performance. Adjusted for inflation, the rate of giving was 8.8% at a time when costs rose 2% and enrollments rose 1%. Research and doctoral universities received 67% of donations, and public institutions in this group fared better than…

Under its new president, the Ford Foundation, a key grantmaker in the social sciences, is placing more emphasis on global issues. Changes include closer links in program areas and revitalization of area studies through encouragement of international scholarship. Regional directorships for some areas are being abandoned in favor of more fluid…

An annual survey of higher-education leaders found most believe cuts will be smaller next year than in recent years. In some states, the largest increase requests were by community college systems. Changes in tuition-setting policy, governance, and financial aid are also common issues. (MSE)