Navigate the Annual Giving Space
As the world’s leading resource for annual giving programs, AGN helps educational institutions develop sustainable sources of philanthropic support. We’re proud to have served thousands of colleges, universities, and independent schools through our research, training, and consulting services, and through our membership program, which provides ongoing access to professional development.
Read below for our latest news, upcoming events, and more!
Webinar: Gift Acknowledgements
August 28, 2025 from 12-1:30pm ETOne of the key factors that donors consider when deciding whether to renew their support is how well (and how promptly) their past gifts were acknowledged. However, producing timely and accurate gift acknowledgments and receipts is easier said than done. Developing an efficient and thoughtful process will not only ensure that your resources are put to good use but will also leave your donors feeling appreciated and increase the likelihood that they will continue their support in the future. Register now.
Podcast E36: Carolyn Haddad - Seeing Amazing Things
In this episode of Starting Point, Carolyn Haddad, Director of Class Giving and Initiatives at Brown University, talks about seeing amazing things that students can do, making educated guesses, letting donors know what you know, creating time to be creative, being a good communicator, and more! Listen now.
Workshop: Student Giving
September 4, 2025 11:30am-4:00pm ETInstitutions that teach students about the impact of philanthropy and engage them in giving before they graduate tend to have more involved and supportive alumni. Starting from the moment first-year students step on campus and leading up to their commencement ceremony, student philanthropy programs are central to building a culture of philanthropy and ensuring continued and lifelong alumni support after graduation. Register now.
Featured Job: Director of Annual Giving at Mercersburg Academy
The Director of Annual Giving collaborates closely with the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), and other key members of the Advancement team to lead and establish the strategic direction for the Mercersburg Annual Fund, as well as leading a team of Annual Fund staff members. The director will be expected to travel to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of Annual Fund leadership-level prospects. Learn more.
Webinar: Scholarship Appeals
September 11, 2025 from 12-1:30pm ETAs the cost of tuition continues to rise, many educational institutions face pressure to provide more access and assistance to deserving students. In turn, annual giving programs are developing more proactive strategies to find prospects who care about and want to support scholarships and financial aid. Knowing how to identify and solicit these prospects, and understanding the potential challenges you could face, will help ensure that fundraising goals are met and greater student access is achieved. Register now.
Workshop: Writing Appeals
September 18, 2025 11:00am-4:30pm ETWriting is one of the most important skills a fundraiser can possess. And while you don’t need to be an award-winning author to write strong appeals, you do need to be able to make the case for support in a clear and compelling way. Developing messages that resonate and selecting words that motivate can make all the difference. By refining your writing skills, your prospects are more likely to read your appeals and respond with a gift. Register now.
Article: Explaining Your Work (U. of South Florida)
There’s a lot of people who don’t really understand what it is that educational advancement professionals do. And this doesn’t just apply to people who work outside of the field. It can also be the case within advancement shops, when staff in one department don’t fully appreciate what those in other departments do. Whether it’s in a small shop, in a large program, or somewhere in between, it’s important for different units to understand one another if they’re going to be able to work together effectively. Click to continue reading…
Become an AGN Member Today!
This is a great time to invest in professional development for your team. AGN Membership provides advancement staff and volunteers with ongoing access to the training and tools that they’ll need to be successful. Learn more or become a member today!