Catalysts for Change How Fundraising Powers Student Success & Community College Transformation

Catalysts for Change is designed as a practical guide and reference tool for community college leaders, advancement professionals, and Foundation Boards. Each chapter is organized to move from fundamental concepts to advanced strategies, with real-world examples, tools, and graphics included throughout. You can read it cover to cover, or use it as a reference guide by turning directly to the sections most relevant to your current work. Key features include:

• Step-by-Step Chapters Each chapter builds on the previous one, beginning with the basics of fundraising and advancing to complex strategies like planned giving, major gifts, and grants.
• Frameworks and Graphics Visual models (pyramids, funnels, scorecards, calendars) are included to simplify complex ideas and give you practical tools to use with your team and board.
• Case Studies and Stories Real examples illustrate how concepts are applied in community colleges across the country.
• Checklists and Templates Practical tools such as donor visit checklists, gift acceptance policies, and scorecards provide actionable resources.
• End-of-Chapter Reflection and Exercises

Each chapter concludes with reflective exercises and planning exercises designed to help readers apply concepts directly to their own college or foundation — turning insight into action.

Dr. John Rainone has served as President of Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) in Virginia since 2013. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, he is recognized nationally for his student-centric leadership and his ability to align philanthropy with workforce and community development. Under his leadership, MGCC has launched transformative initiatives, including the Joe Wilson Workforce Center, expanded dual-enrollment opportunities, and created innovative partnerships with industry and community organizations. A Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), Dr. Rainone has raised millions of dollars to advance access, equity, and student success in rural communities. He is a frequent speaker, mentor, and consultant on fundraising and leadership in community colleges. Beyond his role at MGCC, he co-leads Forty-One Consulting LLC, providing strategic fundraising guidance to nonprofits and colleges across the country. Rainone also serves as a Senior Counsel for Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, a fundraising and economic development consulting firm for hundreds of organizations nationwide.
Joseph April is a seasoned advancement professional with over 30 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit fundraising. He has held senior leadership positions in advancement, alumni relations, and development at colleges, universities, and national organizations. As co-founder of Forty-One Consulting LLC, Joe partners with colleges and nonprofits to design fund development strategies, feasibility studies, capital campaigns, and leadership training programs. He is widely respected for his expertise in alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and building sustainable cultures of philanthropy. April has raised more than $350 million personally and as a consultant supporting major gift/capital campaigns and planned giving initiatives. Joe is also an active trainer and presenter with organizations such as the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA), where he shares best practices for fundraising and leadership with community college leaders nationwide. April also serves as a Senior Partner for Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, a fundraising and economic development consulting firm for hundreds of organizations nationwide.