The following is a summary of a 2026 educate+ Webinar, presented by Genevieve Shaker, Indiana University and Dr Aaron Conley, Academic Advancement Partners
Academic leaders and teaching faculty can be powerful advocates for Fundraising, yet many approach it with uncertainty or misconceptions. The key to stronger partnerships is helping them understand that Fundraising is not simply asking for money. It is a thoughtful, relationship-based process grounded in shared purpose.
Fundraising and faculty teams often operate in different worlds, with their own language, expectations and pressures. While faculty may not understand the complexity behind securing a gift, Advancement professionals may not fully appreciate the competing demands placed on academics. Strong collaboration begins when both sides seek to understand the other and Advancement becomes a trusted partner rather than another demand on an already busy schedule.
One common misconception is that Fundraising follows a set formula. In reality, donors are individuals, each with different interests, experiences and motivations. Just as seven people may order seven different coffees, no two donors will necessarily respond in the same way. Effective Fundraising begins by discovering what matters to each person, rather than leading with the institution’s needs.
Faculty may also assume that major donors are fundamentally different from them. Yet giving is often driven by deeply human motivations, including gratitude, personal values, meaningful experiences, a desire to give back and the satisfaction of making a difference. Finding this common ground can make donor conversations feel more authentic and far less intimidating.
Another barrier is the belief that Fundraising is a form of selling or a skill people are simply born with. Fundraising is a professional practice that can be learned. For academic leaders, it can be reframed as an extension of something they already do well: teaching. Their role is not necessarily to make the ask, but to explain what the institution does, why it matters and how philanthropy can advance its mission.
Key takeaways
- Build mutual understanding between faculty and Advancement teams.
- Explain the complete Fundraising process, not only the final ask.
- Treat every donor as an individual and uncover what motivates them.
- Connect philanthropy to mission, impact and shared values.
- Invite faculty to contribute through storytelling, research insights, introductions and donor conversations.
- Provide clear coaching and manage expectations about likely outcomes.
Why this matters
When faculty understand Fundraising, apprehension can become confidence and resistance can become partnership. By making the process more transparent and connecting it to skills academics already possess, institutions can build stronger internal relationships, create more meaningful donor engagement and unlock greater support for the people, programs and ideas at the heart of their mission.
