Student Affairs Fundraising & Grant Writing 5 Critical Issues June 25, 2008 – 2pm EST
Panelists Ms. Jackie Hodes Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs, West Chester University of Pennsylvania Ms. Dawn Pfeifer Reitz Adjunct Professor of Communication Studies, West Chester University of Pennsylvania Former Grant Writer for the Division of Student Affairs, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Our Story our Keep in mind this is our experience… Capitalize on Student Experience Creation of Student Affairs Endowment Fund In response to capital campaign essentially to encourage divisional staff and alumni support No one was keeping track of RA’s OL, etc. Divisional staffing changes to reflect new priority
Critical Issue #1 OWN THE NEED We must FIRST recognize that so many of us are trying to do so much more with so much less. Our students EXPECT more, but our budgets aren’t always accommodating. Once you become comfortable with the need for additional monies – work to “train” your staff to understand the importance. Educate your colleagues about the benefits of resource enhancement – and help them understand the goals of what you are trying to do. Invite your colleagues to create “wish lists” for spending some of the dollars raised. Can no longer sit back and hope that someone else will fund what we want to do. At public institutions, a smaller and smaller percentage of operating dollars are coming from the state. Need to fund programs that donors find worthwhile.
Critical Issue #2 STUDENT EXPERIENCE Make sure you capitalize on the positive impact and experiences your student alumni had as undergraduates. These folks are the ones who are willing to come back to visit you and to become friends! Many students report that they have a greater, longer- lasting connection with their extra-curricular involvement than their academic programs.
Critical Issue #3 LIASION WITH DEVELOPMENT Identify the best way to become “friends” with your institutions development office. Involvement in fundraising increases the visibility of student affairs folks both internally and externally. Student Affairs folks can be a big player at the “major gifts” table. STUDENT AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FUND
Critical Issue #4 DO YOUR HOMEWORK Resources to Meet your Needs: –PaperClip Communications Resources This Audio Conference is your first step! Abe's Daily Grant Report - Daily enewsletter that highlights foundation and federal grant opportunities Funding Facts & Finds - Weekly newswire that provides current funding news stories
Critical Issue #4 (cont) Other Resources: Fundraising and Development in Student Affairs -A New Imperative – Fundraising for Educators Web Resources (Michigan State University Libraries) – “Dollars for Dreams: Student Affairs Staff as Fundraisers” – by Sophie W. Penney, Ph.D. and Barbara B. Rose
Critical Issue #5 Relationships are KEY RAISING FRIENDS – Relationships are KEY Cultivate them as they leave to have them want to keep in touch Make sure you always have the opportunity to get folks current contact information. Maintain current CONTACT INFO – work hard with all departments to create solid contact information on alumni. Also make sure to get future alumni to commit to keeping addresses updated as they graduate.
WCU’S TOP 5 1.Friends of Student Affairs –Alumni –Other 2.Revenue Enhancement –Grant Writing –Scholarship Opportunities 3.Corporate Relationships –Alumni –Other 4.Community Relationships –Molly Sheppard –Kente Program 5.Our “flagship” event – the Legacy of Leadership
Resources WCU Student Affairs Web Page: ult.html ult.html “The Seven Faces of Philanthropy: A new approach to cultivating major donors” – By: Russ Alan Prince and Kearen Maru File “Fund-Raising and Development” – By: Michael Jackson The Handbook of Student Affairs Administration Association of Fundraising Professionals –
Q&A How Do I Call-in with a Question? If you would like to ask a question of our panelist(s) please press *1 and you will be put in a call queue until it is your turn to ask your question. For Questions that Arise After the Conference If you have a question that you were unable to ask of our presenter, please feel free to us at: …and we will be happy to forward it to our panelist!
PaperClip Resources Abe’s Daily Grant Report – enewsletter that compiles foundation and federal funding notices and is delivered to your account each work day. Funding Facts & Finds Newswire – a FREE newswire that highlights funding news on a weekly basis. To learn more about these resources go to: