Finding Money and Raising Funds 93 possible, make the evidence of their gifts personal, introducing them to scholarship recipients or current students and faculty who benefit from their generosity. Conclusion Given their myriad responsibilities, many deans are reluctant fund- raisers. But as state and federal support dwindle, you must play a signifi- cant role in development. With commitment and proper strategies, your institution, however modest its present circumstances, can grow far more friends and supporters than would appear possible. Finding friends and raising funds is a long-term project. It should have been occurring prior to your arrival as dean. It is imperative for the fiscal health of your college that it continues after your departure. It will enrich your deanship, getting you out of the office and into compel- ling interactions with alumni, community supporters, and friends who support your institution, or are deeply grateful for the “leg up” educa- tion they received. Many of us may have approached fundraising with some trepidation but quickly grew to enjoy it because of the interactions it led to, and because it allowed a chance to “tell the good stories” of the college. It is too easy to get caught up in the administrative weeds and so lose sight of the transformative power of higher education. At the end of the day, we are not asking for money for ourselves, but for our institu- tions, our faculty and staff, and above all, for our students.