Most recently, the national conversation about racial inequality has dominated Most schools’ social media and internal communication channels. It has mandated a proactive response from Boards and administrations. As a development professional, you are often the “gatekeeper” for both the school and constituents who support it. What actions should you take that contribute positively to your school’s response and serve the concerns of your constituents?
What Development Leaders Must Do to Prepare for Campus Reopening
The economic fallout of the global pandemic is still unknown. Families and donors are facing an uncertain financial future. Your school’s development and fundraising targets hang in the balance. Radical changes have taken place since the last time campuses were open, and when school reopens in the fall, things will certainly not be the same. Development operations must evolve in this climate of insecurity.
Three Steps for Projecting Fundraising Income as a Result of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 crisis has created a climate of uncertainty for development professionals. Schools are reviewing the results of a highly unusual fundraising season and trying to project income for the new year. Almost half of all schools experienced a decline in overall fundraising revenue for the 2019–20 school year, exacerbating an already insecure budgeting environment.
Five Lessons Development Offices Have Learned From COVID-19
As a result of these intense three months, five important lessons have emerged that can guide the future of your fundraising program.
Give Your Donors a Little TLC During the Crisis
A proactive response is especially important for those who make financial gifts to your school during this difficult time. As your school’s Advancement Officer, showing your gratitude for their gifts in a sensitive and meaningful way gives your donors the confidence that their gifts are being put to good use and motivates them to give again.
Five Points to Remember When Soliciting During a Crisis
Many uncertainties remain about the short- and long-term effects of the COVID-19 crisis. School development officers know that ongoing philanthropic support of their schools has never been more important.
Evaluate Your Prospects So You Are Ready to ACT
Before you can solicit donors and prospects, you should first evaluate them to confirm their ability to give, commitment to your school and the project, and track record of giving. When you have determined if your prospect meets the ACT criteria, you will be ready to solicit them with confidence.
Create Virtual Engagement Plans for Your Donors and Prospects
The misnomer of “social distancing” implies that not only are we physically distant from one another, but we have put all our social connections at arm’s length. Our mutual experience during this crisis emphatically belies that notion.
Six Steps for Identifying Major Fundraising Prospects While Working Remotely
The COVID-19 crisis has presented a unique opportunity for development professionals to do the critical groundwork in identifying those prospects whose capacity and inclination can make an impact on current and future fundraising projects.
Engaging New Families in Philanthropy
Introducing new families to your school’s culture of giving should be just as personalized as engaging them in the admission process. Your goal is not just to get new parents to give money, but also to involve them with your mission through volunteerism and philanthropy. They have demonstrated their commitment to the school with their “gift” of tuition. How can you bring them closer to school life in ways that remind them why they picked your school? How can you build strong relationships that translate into philanthropic giving? The process involves a journey.