Aim for Stable, Secure Funding
Centers often need institutional structures that allow for systemic, programmatic work and as well as for emergent forms of activity. Stability and security in the operating funding and resources for enacting center and campus mission are essential.
High Level Institutional Support
Having high-level support (not just internal funding which could be from a dean or departments) support provides long-term security, signals institutional commitment, and can garner additional sources of support. These resources can be financial but also in-kind by providing affiliation and alignment with campus priorities, organizational structure, space, etc.
The STEM Institute is partnering with the institution's administration and development office to raise funds with the goal of building and funding a robust center that supports both faculty teaching innovation and best practices, as well as, student programming leading to excellence and diversity in STEM.
Value In-Kind Contributions, in Moderation
A sizable fraction of all university work is voluntary. Thriving centers have figured out how to engage those volunteers and generate a sense of identity and belonging among those who give their time to the center. However, an over-reliance on voluntary work can challenge long-term success. If centers only rely upon voluntary labor and engagement, then other institutional pressures and priorities will threaten the abilities of Centers to fulfill their missions.
Similarly, centers can provide in-kind / voluntary support for other campus units. Centers that engage in in-kind contributions elsewhere on campus cultivate good will and develop relationships with other units. This can make on-campus collaborations easier to develop and can also provide a vital source of support to draw on in challenging transitional times.
F&A or Indirects
Stable funding can come in part from Indirect Cost Recovery / F&A (Facilities and Administration). F&A returns, if negotiated with the institution, can help pay for "keeping the lights on."
It is worthy of note that this resource involves politics of campus; negotiating F&A can cultivate (or challenge) ties with other units, individuals. Centers that support other units in expanding funding that comes to campus rather than serve as competition to existing units appear to be able to navigate the political narrows well.
Advocacy for Funding
Tell Your Story »Having the right message for funders are essential and this involves being able to confidently communicate the center's mission and vision. Sometimes this message is positive: e.g., here are the outcomes from the center (e.g. improved student outcomes, funding, reputation, etc). Other times it can the threat of loss of these capacities or the individuals leading the effort that compel funding.
Cultivating belief in the center's mission and trust in its people among all stakeholders at the institution is key.