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Why Fundraising Is Now More Crucial—And Risky—For Colleges Today

Colleges face intensified federal oversight of foreign gifts as data reveal billions flowing from nations like China and Qatar, while shrinking federal research dollars force institutions to lean heavily on private donors. High‑profile scandals—such as Bard College’s probe into ties with Jeffrey Epstein and Florida A&M’s bogus $237 million pledge—underscore the reputational hazards of unchecked philanthropy. Advancement teams must now balance urgent fundraising needs with rigorous donor vetting to protect institutional brand. Some schools, like Rice University, are piloting rapid‑response coaching models to evaluate donors before acceptance.