On Getting Out There (and Tracking It All!)

Sophisticated fundraisers are allocating relevant time working on their call reports, carefully recording specifics from a visit, and developing strategies that will work to match donor interests with identified institutional needs.

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Northwestern College of Iowa: $24.5 million raised for a new Science Building in 26 months

Having come off a successful comprehensive campaign for facilities, endowment, and annual giving, many at Northwestern wondered if the donor base was ready to aggressively move into its new campaign for the Science Center. To answer the major question about donor readiness to fund the largest capital project in the College’s history, the administration and Board hired Gonser Gerber LLP to conduct a campaign readiness study.

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The Pot of Gold

Successful advancement programs don’t chase the elusive pot of gold. They focus on their own constituents and build relationships which engage and encourage those constituents to get involved and inspired by the mission, vision and plans of the institution.

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I Don’t Have Time for This!

Your success in meeting and exceeding your advancement goals will depend on learning to understand your president and leverage his or her time, strengths and personality for maximum effectiveness.

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Celebrating Success

Vice President Jim Orr of Abilene Christian University tasked his leadership team with developing a clear and transformational Advancement plan for FY17.

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A Sublime Moment of Generosity

How often are cues from those who value the work we do overlooked – the sort that reveals a deeper desire to become more engaged with us and give us something? A small but consistent increase in their annual gift, a quick response to our latest direct mail, a ubiquitous presence at our events, consistent engagement on social media platforms – all cues that, either individually or collectively, may expose an eagerness to become more involved in supporting the good work of our organizations.

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Making the Case to Spend (More) Time on Social Media

Recognizing many people working in Advancement understand that promoting their organizations and engaging their constituents on social media is time well spent, the biggest hurdle you may face may be the same one other’s are facing — convincing the boss you should be spending more time doing this kind of work.

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