HFC’s Dr. Shai James Boyd contributes to fundraising book

Jeff Bagel and Dr. Shai James Boyd with fundraising book.

Early in her career, HFC Assistant Director of Advancement Dr. Shai James Boyd read the first edition of Jeff Bagel’s Annual Fundraising Plans Made Simple: A Road Map for Community Colleges and Small Development Shops cover-to-cover when creating fundraising campaigns. Recently, she contributed a section to the second edition of the same book.

The second edition offers new advice from development professionals, easy-to-use templates, and a new chapter with insights from leading fundraising practitioners about their own best practices. It is one of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)’s bestselling books, which has been sold in more than 30 countries.

“When a respected and sought-after fundraising expert like Jeff Bagel invites you to share your knowledge and professional experience for his book project, you must respond,” said James Boyd. “I am truly honored and thrilled to contribute my expertise to this book to advance our profession.”

Providing real-life stories and anecdotes

James Boyd earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Wayne State University and her master’s degree in non-profit leadership from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. In 2023, she earned her doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University. She is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

“Becoming a CFRE is an exciting professional achievement that shows that you go above and beyond by leading and committing to a higher standard in fundraising,” she said. “As a CFRE, you’ve proven your mastery of ethical, best practice, and philanthropic fundraising, so your employer, colleagues, board, and donors can put their trust in you.”

James Boyd has worked at HFC since 2014 and reports to HFC Vice President of Institutional Advancement A. Reginald Best. She has been active within the College community and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. It was through the AFP that Bagel asked her to contribute to the second edition of his book.

“Jeff is one of the leaders in the fundraising industry, a renowned keynote speaker, writer, and presenter. He sought out my advice, which was humbling to me,” she said. “It’s an honor to have people understand what you contribute to the profession and invite you to contribute to their work and add to that body of knowledge. My contributions were providing real-life stories and anecdotes from my professional perspective, as they were related to the questions that were asked.”

Adaptable to many different institutions

In Annual Fundraising Plans Made Simple, Bagel challenges fundraising professionals to step out of their comfort zone. He makes a case for developing a realistic annual fundraising plan, providing specific and practical guidance and resources that are adaptable to institutions in any sector and any size facing any set of circumstances.

"I encourage every development professional to have this book in their library, enriched with their own notes and highlights to capture its insights. It will serve as an essential resource, offering guidance and inspiration for years to come,” said James Boyd. “This book is a tool that will help fundraising professionals craft a strategic approach that defines their work, communicates value, and reassures leadership that their fundraising efforts are on the right path."

Best expressed how proud he is of James Boyd’s accomplishment.

“Dr. Shai James Boyd brings more than 25 years of experience as a seasoned fundraising professional with academic and fundraising credentials that make her an asset to this project and the broader fundraising community,” said Best. “Her impact extends beyond HFC, as she currently serves on the CASE Community College Advisory Board.”