This paper discusses fund raising in America's community colleges. During 1997, approximately 1,755 two-year colleges in the United States enrolled more than 5.4 million first-time college freshmen, or 46% of the total students in higher education. However, these colleges received only five percent of the private financial support given to American higher education during the 1999-2000 school year. This paper purports the conclusion that community colleges fall behind in their fund-raising efforts because of: (1) image and identity problems; (2) lack of constituencies and connections; and (3) unsophisticated fund-raising programs. However, many successful fund-raising strategies can be employed by these two-year institutions, two of which include: (1) creating a foundation that is approved under Section 501 (a) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as a recipient of tax-deductible contributions; and (2) developing corporate partnerships and providing jobs skills training to personnel. In addition, this paper presents more general recommendations: (1) community colleges must overcome the misconception that they are adequately funded by state and county governments; (2) foundations should initiate planned giving programs to attract private donations from the wealthy elderly--bequests in wills and life estates should be pursued; and (3) colleges should solicit alumni with new and creative approaches. (EMH)