Date of Conferral

3-6-2026

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Management

Advisor

Bridget Dewees

Abstract

A lack of sustainable funding can negatively affect nonprofit universities’ ability to support students and retain qualified staff. Anchored in the Baldrige Excellence Framework, the purpose of this consulting capstone qualitative single-case study was to identify innovative strategies that nonprofit university business executives use to generate funds to promote financial sustainability. This study is important for nonprofit university executives and higher education decision-makers because effective revenue strategies can strengthen financial sustainability and support long-term organizational viability. The participant was an organizational leader with extensive experience and knowledge of the research phenomenon. Data were collected using a semistructured interview and a review of publicly available organizational documents. Data analysis followed Yin’s five-step case study approach and Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework, which resulted in four themes: (a) revenue diversification reduces financial risk, (b) workforce-aligned academic offerings increase enrollment and revenue potential, (c) strategic stakeholder engagement expands funding opportunities, and (d) robust data systems enhance financial decision-making. A key recommendation is for nonprofit university leaders to pursue mission-aligned, data-driven revenue diversification strategies that combine tuition revenue, grants, philanthropic contributions, workforce-aligned academic offerings, and enhancement initiatives to lessen overreliance on a single revenue source. The implications for positive social change include the potential for nonprofit universities serving diverse student populations to achieve financial sustainability, expand access to higher education, support workforce development, and promote economic advancement.

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