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124
July 6, 2026
Episode 124: Higher Ed's Fundraising Model Is Broken

Higher Ed's Fundraising Model Is Broken

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About the Episode

About the Episode

Howard Heevner, co-founder of the National Alumni Survey, argues the core problem with institutional giving isn’t debt, apathy, or generations rejecting philanthropy—82% of alumni gave or volunteered last year—but a “30-point cliff” between 87% who love their education and only 17% satisfied with the post-graduation relationship. Alumni who feel their priorities are extremely well known give about $500,000 lifetime versus under $4,000 when they don’t, highlighting the cost of not listening. Heevner critiques transactional, forced-choice fundraising and warns technology and AI can make outreach more efficient but not more trustworthy.

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Related Articles:
2026 National Alumni Survey Results


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Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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People in this episode

Host

Mallory Willsea is a strategist and consultant working at the intersection of higher education.

Interviewee

Howard Heevner

Co-founder of the National Alumni Survey

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