Membership :: Membership

The CRD Board asked its members to tell them why they are a member of the nation's only fundraising organization specifically for community colleges. Their testimonials speak volumes about the organization.

Benefits

"I have spent most of my professional life in 4-year institutions and was active in the districts where I was working, [but] I must say, the help I and my staff have received from CRD and its members has been absolutely tremendous." - Michelle A. Alexander, Director of Institutional Advancement, Vernon College, TX

"The Weekly News Scan is one of my favorite "perks" of my CRD membership. I have difficulty (I know I'm not alone) trying to keep up with the work load, not to mention reading everything that comes across my desk and into my inbox.  Having a list of, and links to, the articles that most directly affect my primary job is wonderful." - Ms. Terry Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement, Foundation Executive Director, Montcalm Community College, MI

"I again want to let you know that the Weekly News Scan is a very valuable service for the colleges. I've started to forward your news scans to some of our managers with an explanation crediting CRD. It highlights the value of CRD to our district as well as sharing important information with folks that would be interested." – Carol Hale, Director, Grants & Corporate Development, Maricopa Community College District, AZ, CRD members since 1994.

  "Just wanted to thank those of you who responded to my "Legal or Not" question. CRD--What an incredible resource to have at your finger tips for immediate response to questions and help. The listserv is a valuable tool for networking and information. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with your colleagues and friends." - Cathy Yasuda, Executive Director, Treasure Valley Community College Foundation, OR

Training

"My growth as a professional in this field has been helped immeasurably by my membership in CRD. I have never had an organization work as hard for me as CRD works for me." - Joseph A. Cutshall-King, Executive Director of Development, Alumni Relations, and the Adirondack CC Foundation, Adirondack Community College, NY, CRD member since 2005

"CRD is the most responsive, member-friendly organization to which I've belonged. Thank you! " - Leslie VanHoy, Director of Grants, Spartanburg Community College, SC, CRD members since 1999

"I found myself with a new job in development, no background, and no idea where to start. [CRD] was my teacher, mentor, and resource - thanks, CRD!" - Brad Johnson, Ed.D., Dean, College Advancement, Amarillo College, TX, CRD member since 2004

"I sent my new grantwriter to the Specialist Training program. In her first year, she brought in $743,000 in new funding. I attribute a good portion of her phenomenal success to the skills and contacts she developed during the Specialist Training Program." - Mike Gaudette, President, Lighthouse Consulting, CRD Past President

Networking

"I have been a member of a variety of national professional associations, and CRD is the best of the best! With super programming, an excellent staff, a giving and knowledgeable membership and a top-notch website and Listserv, CRD membership offers the biggest bang for the two-year development officer's buck!" - Kimberley D. Sturgeon, CFRE, Director of Development
Trident Technical College, SC, CRD Board Member & member since 1996

"In 1993, Midland College David Daniel gave me the opportunity to leave Instructional Administration and start up the Institutional Advancement Office. When I asked him for information on fundraising, he stated, "There is an organization called CRD--they can tell you what to do." I attended the regional meeting in Santa Fe that June and hit the ground running. By 1995, we had raised $6.1 million for our Chaparral Circle Endowment Fund. Since 1993, we have raised $60 million from private sources and $16 million in federal grants. This past Saturday, our community voted for a $41 million bond for Midland College. CRD provided the critical information, the resources, the network, and friends throughout this great nation that has made Midland College highly successful in community college fundraising and friendraising. Thank you to my CRD colleagues." - Eileen Piwetz, VP of Institutional Advancement & Foundation Executive Director, Midland College, TX, Past CRD President

"The training and advice provided at the CRD annual conference, as well as the networking with colleagues, gave me the skills to develop several successful federal grants, including two Title III grants. I could never have learned to do a Title III grant without CRD!" - Linda L. Mesics, Director of Academic Grants, Lehigh Carbon Community College, PA, CRD member since 1994

"Thank goodness for CRD! Members with experience, insight, information, a procedure or a specific tip are always anxious to share it for everyone's benefit - a networking feature that becomes even more effective via the nationwide listserv." - Nancy T. Bennett, Grants Officer , Santa Fe Community College , NM, CRD member since 2004

Yes, I want to join CRD!

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