Resource Development in Community Colleges: A National Overview

In the midst of declining public governmental support, America's community colleges have embarked on a second century with a renewed spirit of mission. Resource development efforts are helping to further this mission for the enhancement and transformation of community colleges nationwide. A University of Florida research team from the College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Foundations was supported by the Council for Resource Development (CRD), the Clements Group, and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) in the design and administration of the first national survey on resource development efforts in the public community college setting. The 60-item survey was sent to 1,100 community colleges (members of either CRD, the American Association of Community Colleges, or both). A total of 373 colleges responded, making this the most comprehensive data set available on resource development efforts for both community college grants and foundation operations. Respondents data were classified using the Katsinas 2-year college topology modified to apply college-size categories across rural, suburban, and urban designations. The survey questions for this article focused on detailed information about the college profile, the grants office, and the foundation office. Data calculations supported findings for operational budgets, revenue from selected sources, and staffing. Initial analysis of selected data in this study provides evidence that resource development efforts within community college grants and foundation offices are resulting in substantial external revenue for the ongoing vitality of America's community colleges.