Leveraging Rize as an Advancement Strategy

In today’s challenging landscape, presidents of regional private nonprofit colleges face mounting pressure from their boards to secure major donors and discover a “silver bullet” solution to financial sustainability. The push for large, one-time donations often seems like the best path forward, yet a $10 million endowment generates only about $500,000 in annual payout—typically not even enough for a single payroll. In contrast, a sustainable, growth-focused strategy is right in front of us: enrollment.

By prioritizing enrollment as a primary revenue driver, institutions can establish a steady, sustainable income stream—even during economic uncertainty. With Rize as a partner, colleges gain the best of both worlds: not only does Rize fuel enrollment growth through in-demand academic programs, but it also positions institutions as innovators and success stories that attract donors. 

This dual strategy enhances financial security while building a compelling narrative of growth and innovation—an advancement strategy that appeals to donors eager to invest in thriving, forward-thinking campuses. 

The Pressure Points: What Boards Expect from Leadership

Today, college presidents are hearing common concerns from their boards of trustees:

• “We need to find a major donor.”
• “We need a silver bullet for sustainable revenue.”
• “A $10 million endowment could solve our financial issues.”

While major donations can offer immediate relief, they often don’t address the ongoing need for sustainable revenue. By putting enrollment growth at the center of a college’s strategy, leaders can create a self-sustaining model that doesn’t depend on a single donation or an endowment’s limited payout. With a proactive, enrollment-focused approach, institutions can build a foundation for long-term stability.

Why Enrollment-Focused Growth is the Path Forward

At Rize, we’re helping small colleges grow their enrollment through innovative, in-demand programs. This strategy not only increases revenue but also positions institutions as thriving, future-ready campuses. Here’s why Rize’s approach is an ideal advancement tool:

1. People Give to People—More Importantly, Successful People

Donors want to support leaders that are growing and innovating, not just surviving. By working with Rize to add high-growth, market-aligned programs, institutions can tell a positive story that resonates with prospective donors:

• Growth Amidst Industry Contraction: While many colleges are closing programs or struggling to survive, institutions partnering with Rize can stand out by adding valuable, workforce-aligned offerings.
• Investment in High-Value Programs: Rize’s programs include fields like AI, business analytics, and cybersecurity—programs that are both in high demand and show an institution’s commitment to preparing students for tomorrow’s careers.
• A Story of Innovation and Progress: This narrative appeals not only to donors but also to prospective students and their families, who are more likely to choose institutions that demonstrate forward-thinking educational values.

By emphasizing growth and innovation, institutions can attract major donors who want to support a successful, future-focused college, ultimately boosting both enrollment and advancement efforts.

2. Government Funding Opportunities for New Programs

Beyond traditional donations, there is funding available specifically for academic programs that align with workforce needs. Many foundations and government agencies prioritize educational grants that support new, high-demand fields, particularly those tied to technology, healthcare, and skilled workforce development.

• State and Federal Grants: There are substantial state and federal funds available for institutions expanding programs in technology, healthcare, and workforce-aligned fields. Rize can help institutions align their academic programs with funding criteria to increase grant eligibility.
• Foundation Support for Workforce Education: Many private foundations offer grants for institutions that are adding programs to meet workforce demands. Rize’s programs align well with these priorities, making partner institutions attractive candidates for these funds.

Questions to Ask:

• Does your institution have access to a lobbyist or government relations team?
• Are you actively exploring grants for academic program expansion?
• Have you considered partnerships with foundations focused on workforce development?

Exploring these funding options provides additional support for program expansion without reallocating funds from critical areas, ensuring a steady revenue stream as you innovate with Rize. 

3. Avoiding the Fallout of Costly Cuts and Closures

Many institutions, under financial stress, face negative headlines about program cuts, layoffs, and even closures. These actions can damage a college’s reputation, reduce enrollment, and lower alumni support. Rize’s programs provide an alternative path—one focused on growth rather than cuts—exciting donors. 

• Institutional Brand Strength: By adding programs in high-demand areas, institutions can shape a positive brand story, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and student success. In contrast, repeated cuts can lead to a perception of instability.
• Sustainable Growth: Adding market-aligned programs supports financial stability or lower donor years, helping institutions weather economic downturns without resorting to drastic cuts.
• Faculty and Staff Well-Being: Continual program cuts can hurt faculty morale and retention. Expanding academic offerings allows faculty to grow with the institution, fostering a healthier and more engaged campus environment through innovation.
• Student Success and Progress: Students benefit from institutions that are committed to adding relevant, future-focused programs that align with their career goals, creating a more compelling case for retention and graduation.

Rize’s Approach to Building a Sustainable Growth Story

Rize’s partnership model enables small institutions to offer high-demand programs without the financial burden of developing them from scratch. By working with us, colleges can attract more students, expand their reach, and improve their long-term financial outlook. Here’s how Rize helps:

1. Low-Cost, High-Value Programs: Our offerings in areas like AI, business analytics, and cybersecurity are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing curricula, allowing institutions to attract students without incurring high startup costs.
2. Scaling Enrollment-Driven Revenue: With market-aligned programs, institutions have a scalable way to grow revenue, supporting both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
3. A Compelling Vision for Donors: New academic programs add to an institution’s story, attracting donors who want to invest in growth and innovation.

Key Takeaways for Institutional Leaders

If you’re a president or leader at a small nonprofit college, here’s what to consider when exploring this strategy with Rize:

• Sustainable Impact Over Quick Fixes: Endowments and large donations may provide temporary relief, but enrollment growth offers a self-sustaining revenue model that grows alongside your institution.
• Market-Aligned Programs for Today’s Students: Rize’s programs appeal to students seeking skills in high-demand fields, enhancing the institution’s value proposition without heavy financial investment.
• Positive Brand Building: By expanding programs, institutions can control their narrative, positioning themselves as innovators dedicated to student and workforce success, rather than as colleges facing budget cuts and closures.

In an era where colleges face both financial strain and heightened competition, relying solely on donations should not be the only path forward. Enrollment growth—powered by market-aligned programs—offers small institutions a way to secure their future while enhancing their mission to serve students. With Rize as a partner, institutions can unlock new revenue, attract donors and students, and thrive in a challenging landscape.

Interested in building a College of the Future with Rize? Reach out below!