The Communication and Engagement Committee of the Foundation works to develop a communication and engagement strategy to ensure that the work of the Foundation is effectively conveyed to current members and potential donors as well, the general population and other key sectors of society such as politicians and the media. In addition, the Committee is tasked with ensuring that there is regular and meaningful communication by the Foundation Board. Also, the Committee works to promote initiatives that are already in place as well as suggest, establish and coordinate events that will increase engagement of members both at meetings, conventions, and within the organization. In collaboration with the Executive, Planned Giving & Stewardship Committees, recommend new resources in a variety of formats, including online, that will help members stay engaged with the organization. Finally, the Committee is tasked with analyzing the effect of the Committee’s various programs and report findings to the Foundation Executive Committee.
Development and Planned Giving Committee
The Development and Planned Giving Committee extends the mission and vision of the Foundation through the promotion of donor relationships leading to transformational giving. This committee advises the Board of Directors and carries out the mission through the articulation of guidelines for giving and the cultivation of current and future donors, whose collective giving provides professional development resources to realize professional excellence for those who serve at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and in other diverse higher education settings.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee can exercise all powers of the Directory of Board Members in the interim between meetings of the Board. In addition, the Executive Committee oversees the management and operations of organizations affiliated with the Foundation, considers and acts upon matters that are referred to the Committee by the Board or one of the other standing committees of the Board for study and possible resolution, serves as a forum for the consideration of significant foundational issues and priorities that transcend the jurisdiction of the other standing committees of the Board, and assumes responsibility for monitoring the performance of the President. The Executive Committee shall be concerned with the Board agenda and the assignment of tasks to the appropriate standing committees. The Executive Committee, the President and the Board Members will consult with one another in the appointment of members of ad hoc committees and task forces.
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee is a central component of the Foundation mission, which considers thoughtful expression of gratitude and strategic engagement of our benefactors to be core preconditions for strengthening donor relationships in ways that lay the foundation for transformational giving. The Stewardship Committee assists in inspiring current and future donors to invest in the foundation by demonstrating gratitude and by helping to identify what inspires constituents to give. The Committee has a particular focus on fundraising and stewardship, which is the highest priority of the Foundation currently. In addition, the committee supports a number of tactical initiatives that assist the stewardship mission, including: hosting thank-you events and making thank-you calls and visits; connecting donors to the present day foundation through news and information; understanding the donor base and uncovering key themes that inspire giving; and building strong relationships with both donors and peers who share the joy of investing in the Foundation.