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Jumping Into the Digital Donor Recognition Pond

Lynne M. WesterDirector of Stewardship and

Donor RecognitionYeshiva University

Evaluation

• What: Do you already have?

• Why: Is it not working for you?

• Why: Do you need an electronic recognition wall?

• What: Can an electronic recognition wall do for you, that your current one can’t?

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Traditional

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The Whys

• BIG WHY: B Current wall had become dated and was becoming too difficult to maintain and update every year.

• BIGGER WHY: More control over the process and we wanted our wall to be more than just a list of names.

• BIGGEST WHY: Costingtoo much money to update our old wall and needed to find a better way.

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Compromise!

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The Story

• Its primary purposes are recognition of the basketball team captains, honoring the longstanding coach and an ongoing celebration of the Maccabees basketball team.

• “We want a plaque that tells a story!”– Insert awkward pause

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Making the Case

• The lively subject matter and the need to add content over time are a good match for electronic media.

• Looking for an appropriate test case for digital recognition in Yeshiva's very tradition-driven culture.

• Demonstrating that not every recognition story is best told through a hefty bronze plaque.

Budget and RFP

• This is the most MOST important part of the project. Your RFP will set the tone!

• Your RFP should contain the following:• What you plan to do with your electronic recognition wall.• How you expect it to improve your fundraising goals, if any.• Be clear with who your donors are and how many you have.• How you plan to use the electronic recognition wall.• How you expect to interact with the maintenance of the wall (a web-based

program that’s already been created or do you expect a personalized Content Management System that does exactly what you need to do?)

• Be clear about what you expect during development and installation. What happens after the project is done. Ballpark figures for development, installation, maintenance and upkeep.

• Overwhelm them with information when it comes to explaining your institution’s needs and desire to have a recognition wall that makes the most sense for you financially and concept wise.

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TIPS

• Engaging all the teams that will be involved in a project - marketing, IT, facilities, and other outside resources related to the success of the project - must happen early.

• Many people lose momentum trying to perfect content by committee before getting into context with the display.

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Standard Choices

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Displays

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Reality

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Intro Screen

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Donor Recognition

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History

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Search!

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Calendar

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The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth

• Do-overs

• Downsides to an electronic wall

• Life after the unveiling

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Questions? Comments

• Lynne Wester• wester@yu.edu• www.donorrelationsguru.com• Friend me on Facebook• Follow me on Twitter @donorguru

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