Mark Fuller’s Post

Rishihood University: A Pioneering Model for Impact Education Through Collective Philanthropy In a world where educational institutions often grapple with sustainability and impact, Rishihood University stands as an example of innovation and collective effort. Our university is not just another educational institution; it is a paradigm shift in how educational ecosystems can be created and sustained. Collective Philanthropy: A Sustainable Foundation At the core of Rishihood's existence is the principle of 'Collective Philanthropy.' Unlike traditional models that rely on single-source funding, our university is built on the collective contributions of a diverse group of philanthropists. This not only ensures financial sustainability but also brings a wealth of perspectives to the table, enriching the institution in immeasurable ways. Diverse Board: Beyond Financial Contributions What sets Rishihood apart is the composition of its board members. In addition to philanthropists, our board comprises social leaders and spiritual guides. This diversity is not just symbolic; it is strategic. It ensures that the university's focus remains steadfastly on creating social and public impact, aligning perfectly with our mission. Impact-Focused: The Ultimate Goal The presence of social and spiritual leaders on our board ensures that the curriculum, research, and community engagement activities are geared towards creating a lasting impact on society. It is this unique blend of financial sustainability and impact orientation that makes Rishihood a pioneering institution in the educational landscape. Built to Last: Weathering the Vicissitudes of Time This collective and diverse approach not only fortifies Rishihood's present but also secures its future. It is a model designed to enable Rishihood to last for centuries, resiliently weathering the vicissitudes of time. The Future is Collective As we move forward, the model of Rishihood University serves as a testament to what can be achieved when diverse minds come together for a unified cause. It is a call to action for other institutions to adopt a more holistic, sustainable, and impact-focused approach. Join us in this remarkable journey as we redefine education and create a ripple effect of positive change in society. #RishihoodUniversity #CollectivePhilanthropy #ImpactEducation #SustainableModel #DiverseBoard #SocialImpact #PublicImpact

For first-generation college students, navigating higher education for the first time often presents unique challenges. The Opportunity Scholars program is designed to help break down those barriers so students can achieve excellence in and out of the classroom while pursuing their bachelor's degree. Since its inception in 1997, Opportunity Scholars has continued to serve a growing first-generation student population. Our core values are 1) the student first and foremost, 2) creating a sense of community and support, 3) promoting diversity in the classroom and the workplace, 4) achieving success by increasing retention and graduation rates, and 5) providing scholarship opportunities for all students. Our students have grit! They are resilient, determined, hardworking, and love learning. Their stories are always empowering and inspirational. They also believe in giving back through community service and mentoring others throughout the year. Currently, there are over 180 students involved in Opportunity Scholars. Getting a scholarship is a recognition of achievement and potential and a motivation to work even harder, setting them on a path in life with a pay-it-forward attitude. Please join me in donating to the Opportunity Scholars program from Oct 17-18 during the 1917 Challenge. To maximize your impact, all gifts made to Opportunity Scholars during this campaign will be matched up to $15,000! For example, your $50 gift instantly becomes a $100 contribution. Make a gift here - https://lnkd.in/dNjyamrk To learn more about the Opportunity Scholars Program - https://lnkd.in/dSy3NWmb #OpportunityScholars #firstgenerationcollegestudent #payitforward

The latest article from Recast Philanthropy co-founders Nicole McVan and Tanya Rumble MPNL, CFRE, CMP, MFA-P™ Toward inclusive education: Challenges and strategies in student awards published by The Philanthropist Journal today. "Named or donated awards can also perpetuate the myth of meritocracy." #philanthropy #fundraising #highereducation #awards #studentawards #equityineducation #equityandinclusion https://lnkd.in/d74q5K9G

Impacted by his personal experience in under-funded #schools, PRACTICE Benefit Corp CEO Karim Abouelnaga, SHRM-SCP is building a company that aims to close the achievement gap in public #education. With an entrepreneurial #mindset, he's setting goals that go beyond the bottom line to impact children, families and communities. “I thought for-profit solutions, especially in public education working with low-income children, was an absolute no-no. But I learned that it wasn't about for-profit or nonprofit. It was always more about ownership." Read more about his mission-driven journey here: https://on.ypo.org/4f8AgfB #BusinessForGood #purpose #impact #entrepreneurship YPO Southeast U.S. & Caribbean #YPOFlorida

Impacted by his personal experience in under-funded #schools, PRACTICE Benefit Corp CEO Karim Abouelnaga, SHRM-SCP is building a company that aims to close the achievement gap in public #education. With an entrepreneurial #mindset, he's setting goals that go beyond the bottom line to impact children, families and communities. “I thought for-profit solutions, especially in public education working with low-income children, was an absolute no-no. But I learned that it wasn't about for-profit or nonprofit. It was always more about ownership." Read more about his mission-driven journey here: https://on.ypo.org/4d6ONqg #BusinessForGood #purpose #impact #entrepreneurship YPO Southeast U.S. & Caribbean #YPOFlorida

From the back of the library, what I'm reading as a philanthropy PhD student: 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁 isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a c͇r͇i͇t͇i͇c͇a͇l͇ trait for higher education fundraisers. We’re talking about the passion and perseverance that fuel successful major gift solicitations. Let’s dive in🏊. McCann’s (🎓) study reveals how grit manifests in development officers’ experiences. She found that… - Passion and Pathways: Development officers often come from varied backgrounds, bringing diverse skills from sales, education, and relationship-building roles. They share a deep commitment to their institution’s mission. - Motivation and Personal Values: Intrinsic motivation drives these professionals. They find personal satisfaction in their work, seeing the tangible impacts of their efforts on students and institutions. - Resilience and Adaptability: These fundraisers demonstrate remarkable resilience when facing frequent rejections. They continuously refine their approaches, learning from setbacks, and maintaining a positive outlook. - Self-Talk Matters: Positive self-talk is a critical strategy. While some struggle with negative self-talk, many learn to overcome it through reflection and support from colleagues. - Long-Term Impact: Metrics provide short-term motivation, but enduring satisfaction comes from the long-term impact on the educational opportunities created for students and institutional growth. How do you maintain your grit in the face of challenges? I would love to hear from long-time fundraisers (25 yrs +). McCann, J. A. (2018). Exploring Grit in the Experiences of Higher Education Development Officers: A Phenomenological Study. University of Texas at Tyler. #Backofthelibrary #Research #Philanthropy #Fundraising #Grit --- No, seriously, I'm actually sitting in the back of the library right now. I'm Anna Schlia, a PhD student studying HigherEd Philanthropy. I'm a fundraiser, consultant, and philanthropy zealot, on a mission to promote research-based insights across our sector. Follow me for more philanthropy nuggets and message me if you want to chat about how research can support your fundraising efforts. #TheorytoAction.

🌟 Gratitude and Celebration 🌟 I am beyond thrilled to express my heartfelt thanks to the incredible team at United Way of the Midlands (SC), especially Sara Fawcett, Jabari Bodrick, Ph.D., Ivan Larrymore and Tiffany Johnson. Your unwavering dedication and passion for making a positive impact on the next generation are truly inspiring. A special shout-out to The Mungo Foundation for their extraordinary generosity, contributing $500k to this life-changing journey for boys and men of color. This support is a testament to the profound impact we can achieve when organizations come together for a shared vision. There are moments in our professional journey where we witness our efforts taking shape in ways we could never have imagined. And I know, unequivocally, that these transformations don't happen in isolation; they are the result of a collective effort. I eagerly anticipate the upcoming January cohort, eager to witness the continued growth and success of this initiative. 🙏 Let's remember, our boys aren't broken; it's the system that needs fixing. Together, we are paving the way for positive change, one step at a time. 💪🏽🔑 #Gratitude #Legacy #NextGenerationLeadership #changingthenarrativeforbmoc #UnitedWay United Way's National Young Men United (YMU) Initiative proposes to support local United Ways and young men of color in the United States over the next several years to increase their post-secondary attainment and workforce preparedness. Our shared objectives are to bolster the school to work pipeline in the United States by ensuring that young men of color who participate in this initiative realize their full leadership potential - as successful college graduates who are prepared to enter the workforce, and to be engaged in their communities. It is also to engage partners and donors to support the work of United Way related to closing critical gaps in education, the workforce, and addressing other inequities.  https://lnkd.in/gzVJqjdB

Thrilled to share our new survey of #educational #advancement leaders. Significant drop in confidence among sr. level leaders in reaching financial goals. Key insights on range of topics from impact of #campus #protests to #jobsatisfaction to use of #AI to factors affecting donor solicitations. #highered #philanthropy #fundraising #collegesanduniversities #advancementmovingforward (https://lnkd.in/e4TX9yaC)

Meet the Leaders Behind the Movement: PLAN4SUCCESS College Advisory Board! LEADERSHIP~ VOICE~ EMPOWERMENT As the driving force of a transformative initiative that seeks to empower college students across the nation, our College Advisory Board plays a pivotal role. Each member brings their unique talents and dedication to the table, guiding their peers towards a future where success is not just a goal but a shared journey. Let's celebrate our inaugural board members: President - Williams: At the helm of our College Advisory Board is Williams, a Political Science major from Tulane University. With her leadership, she helps to set the strategic direction, ensuring that our mission aligns with the needs and aspirations of students everywhere. Williams embodies the spirit of PLAN4SUCCESS, leading with integrity and a vision for a brighter future. These leaders are not just board members; they are the architects of a movement that champions academic and personal growth through collaboration and community engagement. Their dedication and vision pave the way for a future where every student can thrive. 📣 Call to Action 📣 Join the Movement: If you're from the Chicagoland area and aspire to transform your college experience, the PLAN4SUCCESS College Cohort is for you. Embark on this journey with us and unlock your full potential. Together, we can achieve greatness. Support Our Cause: Your contributions fuel our initiatives, partnerships, and scholarship drives. Every donation brings us closer to our goal of empowering every student to reach their highest aspirations. Donate now at https://lnkd.in/gWzRbiW5 and be a part of a lasting impact. Let’s embrace this journey together. Join (https://lnkd.in/gH6hXNNA). Support. Thrive. With PLAN4SUCCESS, the future is bright and full of possibilities. PPLAN4Success#CollegeSuccess #Empowerment

Last Wednesday, I attended a great webinar from a group called Challenge Success, a non-profit affiliated with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. They partner with school communities to elevate student voice and implement research-based, equity-centered strategies that improve well-being, engagement, and belonging for all K-12 students. Here was a description of the event: "The college admissions process can be a source of stress and anxiety for students and parents alike. This research-based workshop addresses many of the important questions we hear from families. What do college rankings really measure? Are students who attend more selective colleges better off later in life? What is “fit” and why does it matter? Participants will learn practical strategies to help reduce unnecessary pressure around the college admissions process and ways to support their student’s overall well-being and readiness for life in college and beyond." #CollegeAdmissions #HigherEd #ChallengeSuccess