FUNDRAISING 101

INTRODUCTION OF PHILANTHROPY STAFF Margo Shideler  Senior Director of Philanthropy Cameron Hughes  Assistant Director of Philanthropy Ninjia Miles  Advancement Intern  Clarence J. Jupiter Fellow

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS For what are you fundraising? How much do you need to raise? From whom are you soliciting? Why should potential donors care? How do you sustain donor support?

FOR WHAT ARE YOU FUNDRAISING? Determine what your fundraising focus. Create a one pager.  Description of organization  Fundraising focus  Dollar amount needed  Impact Develop an elevator speech

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED TO RAISE? Do your homework. Don’t overshoot (but ask for what you really need). Layout needs and wants in an easily communicable format.

KNOW WHOM ARE YOU SOLICITING Determine who you will solicit.  Students  Faculty / Staff  Alumni  Community members  Outside foundations (private / corporate)  Campus Resources Understand giving capacity. Solicit accordingly.  Know who you are speaking to  Set your team up to succeed – NO DOUBLE ASKS

SUSTAINING SUPPORT Most fundraising efforts are repeated each year. Find a way to keep donors in the loop. People support things when they are continuously engaged. ALWAYS THANK DONORS!!!!!  Initial handwritten thank you card  End-of-year thank you letter

STUDENTS 70% give online  Square  PayPal 65% prefer to learn about cause via multimedia or online  Create an information sheet online  Be smart about use of Facebook 88% visit “About Us” page 42% act immediately when inspired  Keep information up to date and relevant  Include ask and how to give in all informational pieces

ALUMNI Want to stay connected to group who they were members. Looking to connect with current student experience. Will give to continue tradition and excellence they experienced.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS Professional interaction Bring at least two people Know with whom you are speaking.  Develop an action plan on who will speak to specific people  Do not double ask due to not being organization Partner with groups and organizations with similar interests and goals  Partner  Don’t compete!!

BEGIN YOUR FUNDRAISING PROCESS Use an organization or cause you represent. Answer the 5 fundamental questions. Create an elevator speech. Make a pitch to someone else.

FOR WHAT ARE YOU FUNDRAISING? Centenary Fund  Institutional scholarships which 90% of Centenary students are provided  Faculty and staff salaries  Organizational and department budgets

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED TO RAISE? $4.5 million 20% alumni participation rate

FROM WHOM ARE YOU SOLICITING FUNDS? Alumni Friends of the College Community members Corporate and private foundations and companies

WHY SHOULD POTENTIAL DONORS CARE? Centenary College is the 2 nd oldest higher education institution west of the Mississippi River. Continue the tradition of excellence Centenary has provided since Development of future leaders of the nation and community. Centenary is a cornerstone of Shreveport culture. Students are potential future employees.

HOW DO YOU SUSTAIN DONOR SUPPORT? President’s State of the College Forward: Alumni Newsletter The Weekly Regional Dinners and Mixers Legacy Luncheon President Circle events Alumni and Donor Relations  Front-line solicitors  Advancement Interns

CAMPUS RESOURCES FOR FUNDS Centenary Muses and WEQ Grant Forms SGA Provost Office