FUND RAISING and Relationships with Donors

Finley GravesSenior Associate DeanUniversity of North Texas

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Fundraising experience

- Head, Department of Accounting

Kansas State University

- Chair, Department of Accounting

University of North Texas

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

It IS about building relationships…and trust- Visit alums in their setting- Listen – learn about them- Listen – use the opportunity for

program assessment

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Building trust - Be candid about challenges, but …- Never, never be negative- Take program critique to heart

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Identify your greatest need- Excellence money?- Salary supplements?- Scholarships?

Have a giving programHave a proposal

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Thank yousThank yousThank yous

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Should I work with University Development Officers?

ABSOLUTELY!

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Reasons to work with University Development Officers: 1. Identifying prospects 2. Knowing means of prospects 3. Cultivating prospects in advance 4. Making appointments and documenting visits 5. Facilitating visits and making the ask

6. Obtaining tax and financial planning advice 7. Helping plan and finance events 8. Helping write professional proposals 9. Coordination with other fundraisers on

campus10. Having Development on your side

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

What if MY alum wants to give to, say, Education or Athletics?

What if the President (Dean) approaches MY alum?

Are mass mailings worth the investment?

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Building and Maintaining Relationships- Stewardship visits- Recognitions- Celebrations/Receptions- Reunions- Special invitations to University events

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Organizing major gift campaigns (Chairs, Professorships)- Use names of influential professors- Start with major givers- Early phase is quiet phase- Go public after major funding accomplished

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Tips –

- Dress professionally

- Ask about the donor’s family or interests

- Scan the newspaper or Internet before a visit

- Know facts about your program/University

- Watch the time, donors are busy people

- Thank yous, thank yous, thank yous

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Final tip –

You don’t ask, you don’t get!

Fund Raising and Relationships with Donors

Good luck and have fun!