The landscape of higher education fundraising has never been more challenging or more critical. According to CASE, giving to U.S. higher education institutions was $58 billion in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, yet institutions face mounting pressures from declining enrollment, reduced state funding, and evolving donor expectations. In this environment, a strategic approach …
Higher education faces a number of financial challenges: declining state funding, enrollment pressures, and an unsustainable reliance on tuition revenue. In this landscape, strategic donor development has become essential for institutional survival and growth. For university administrators and managers, building strong donor relationships is no longer optional but critical. Yet many struggle to move beyond …
Universities face increasing pressure to secure sustainable funding while building meaningful relationships with their supporters. The difference between institutions that merely survive and those that thrive often comes down to one critical factor: effective donor cultivation. But what exactly is donor cultivation, and how can your advancement team implement strategies that convert one-time donors into …
To maintain and grow donor relationships, higher education institutions must continually refine their fundraising strategies. The most successful advancement teams recognize that effective donor outreach goes beyond a single communication channel. Those who hit their targets work on orchestrating a harmonious mix of touchpoints that meet donors where they are. In this article, we’ll explore …
In higher education fundraising, building lasting relationships with donors is just as important as securing gifts. A well-defined donor engagement cycle ensures that institutions nurture donors from initial awareness to lifelong advocacy. Understanding the key stages of this cycle, together with implementing effective engagement strategies, can significantly enhance donor retention and increase philanthropic impact.In this …
Donor Engagement Cycle: Key Stages & Strategies for Success Read More »
Donor retention is a critical measure of success for fundraising in higher education institutions. Retaining donors not only ensures a steady stream of support, but also leads to stronger alumni relations and more sustainable funding. This blog explores the importance of donor retention, methods to calculate it, and strategies to enhance it effectively. What Is …
The year-end giving season is a time of immense generosity; a period where individuals and communities rally together to support the causes closest to their hearts. But today’s donors, particularly those contributing to universities and colleges, are more discerning than ever. There are numerous causes and initiatives fighting for their attention. Donors seek deeper connections, …
How to Stand Out During Year-End Giving with Omnichannel Engagement Read More »
The fundraising process extends well beyond when a donor makes a gift to your organization. The main goal of your fundraising effort is to build a loyal donor base and secure a consistent flow of donations. That’s why donor stewardship should be viewed as just as important in your fundraising cycle as the phases leading …
The importance of understanding your donors’ motivations, needs, preferences, and giving patterns cannot be overstated. Gaining insight into all these factors gives you the ability to tailor your outreach in a way that resonates with each individual supporter and connect with them on a deeper level. Enter donor segmentation — a strategic framework that allows …
Turning a casual supporter into a dedicated advocate, one who champions your institution for years to come requires more than just an inspiring mission statement or an occasional email, call, or text. This is a process that resembles a carefully orchestrated journey — one built on strategic nurturing and a deep understanding of where donors …
Donor Journey: From The Engagement Center To Leadership Giving Read More »
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