News & Insights

"Unanticipated financial setbacks sometimes become little deficits. And the response to little deficits can shape the course of a school’s future. What are the options?" Anthony T. Ruger asked this of In Trust readers in the Summer 2018 issue. 

Ruger, a researcher, administrator, and consultant who has examined the financial data of every member of the Association of Theological Schools, offers various options for responding to financial stress. These include:

  • Enhancing revenue (for example, through increasing enrollment). 

  • Ramping up development efforts. 

  • Monetizing real estate/facilities. 

  • Downsizing (or "right-sizing") finances. 

  • Adapting or eliminating existing academic programs. 

  • Developing partnerships. 

  • Borrowing (as a stopgap measure).

  • Drawing down the endowment (as a stopgap measure).

Ruger indicates that these options may not always be the best choice for all schools and shouldn't necessarily be done in the order he presents them.

To him, the most important advice to schools facing financial stress is: Open your eyes and be realistic

In addition to this article, the Summer issue includes a "Blueprint for building financial success from financial stress," a graphical representation of the options outlined by Ruger. 

Read the article and view the blueprint now. 

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The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m. (ET)

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to register.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

FEBRUARY 22, 2024, 1 PM (ET)

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Join us for this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle. Click to register.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 1

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action.

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