Institutional Advancement Activities at Select Hispanic-serving Institutions: The Politics of Raising Funds

Abstract

This article analyzes the current state of institutional advancement activities at Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) of higher education. Since the 1980s, a core group of colleges and universities in the United States with significant enrollments of Hispanic students has come to be recognized as primary providers of education to the burgeoning population of Hispanic students. These HSIs face a number of challenges—financial, technological and otherwise—and yet have increasing opportunities to enhance their service not only to Hispanic communities but to the nation as a whole. The funding of a majority of HSIs is closely tied to the political process. Successful lobbying efforts and the structuring of a strong advancement effort is instrumental in building healthy institutions and ensuring high graduation rates. The goal of this study was to determine what level of importance is placed on fund raising, government relations, and sponsored programs activities by CEOs at select HSIs throughout the United States. Conclusions are drawn and directions for future research are suggested.