The Critical Role of CASE in Today’s Environment

In this climate, CASE’s steadfast advocacy for advancement professionals has proven invaluable. Their unwavering support for fundraising, alumni relations, communications, markIn this climate, CASE’s steadfast advocacy for advancement professionals has proven invaluable. Their unwavering support for fundraising, alumni relations, communications, marketing, and advancement services provides a crucial foundation as we help our school, college, and university clients navigate uncertainty.

CASE’s work through coalitions ensures that advancement considerations are represented in discussions with Congress, federal agencies, and the administration. This advocacy is particularly important as institutions face increasing scrutiny around diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, potential changes to the endowment tax, and evolving research funding landscapes.

Foster Avenue’s Aligned Approach

At Foster Avenue, we echo CASE’s commitment to reinforcing the fundamental value of higher education and articulating the vital role of philanthropy. We believe, as Brian wisely noted, that philanthropy should provide the “margin of excellence” rather than the “margin of existence.”*

This philosophy guides our approach to campaign counsel and communications. We help our clients:

• Craft compelling narratives that resonate with donors while reinforcing the institution’s core mission and public benefit
• Develop strategic approaches to donor engagement that acknowledge today’s complex environment
• Navigate policy changes and their potential impact on fundraising initiatives
• Empower institutional leaders to communicate confidently about their vision despite external pressures

Looking Forward Together

The insights gained through our CASE relationship directly inform our client strategies. As institutions face challenges around executive actions, Department of Education scrutiny and investigations, research funding uncertainties, and potential tax reform changes, our team leverages CASE’s expertise to provide nuanced guidance.

We recognize that “all politics and policy are local,” as Brian emphasized. This understanding shapes our tailored approach to each institution’s unique context and community. Whether working with large research universities concerned about NIH funding or smaller institutions monitoring the impact of Department of Education guidance, our CASE-informed perspective enhances our ability to counsel and serve effectively.

As we look ahead, we remain grateful for CASE’s leadership in championing the advancement profession during these challenging times. Together, we’re committed to supporting institutions as they fulfill their vital missions, create transformative opportunities for students, drive research and innovations, and shape a brighter future for higher education.

At Foster Avenue, we don’t just provide services—we partner with our clients to navigate the shifting sands of institutional advancement, guided by the enduring values and expert insights that our CASE association brings to our work.

* Richard D. Legon, ed., Margin of Excellence: The New Work of Higher Education Foundations (Washington, D.C.: Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, 2005).