Starting a Stewardship Program Patricia Gibbons Haylon ‘83 Director of Special Events and Donor Relations College of the Holy Cross June Putnam-Goldsmith ‘07 Director, Stewardship and Donor Relations University of San Francisco

Introductions Trish Gibbons Haylon: Director Special Events & Donor Relations June Putnam-Goldsmith: Director Stewardship & Donor Relations

Agenda  What is Stewardship?  How did our programs start?  Why is stewardship important to fundraisers?  How to involve the fundraisers  Is there a line between what is meaningful and what is redundant?  The best way to say thanks?

Stewardship  Stewardship is a sense of personal responsibility for taking care of something that is not one's own.  Stewardship assures donors that their gift is being used for its intended purpose and shows donors that the institution is fiscally responsible.

Stewardship  The process whereby an institution cares for and protects its philanthropic support - its gifts and those who give them – in a way that responds to the donor’s expectations and respects the act of giving. from CASE

Stewardship “…is the first and last step in maintaining a strong relationship with the donors.” - Penelope Burk Donor Centered Fundraising

Why is Stewardship Important? Recognition Stewardship Identify & Research Prospects Cultivation & Solicitation

How did we get here?  Survey  Committee  Task Force  Capital Campaign Beginning Middle End

How to involve fundraisers  Explain that stewardship is an integral part of the fundraising  Build Partnerships  Give clear objectives  Show the BIG picture and how you can help them  Be the “come to person”  Stewardship = Cultivation  Reinforce that stewardship is an excellent investment because current donors are often the best prospects

“ Communicating results is the most important thing a fundraiser can do to ensure ongoing loyalty.” Penelope Burk

Who else should be involved?  Deans  University Vice Presidents  Directors  Athletic Staff  Department Heads  Anyone who benefits from the generosity of a major donor (i.e. Professors, Chairs, etc.)

Internal Survey  Who to speak with  What format  Where to go from here  Why do one  How to begin

University of San Francisco Vice President University Advancement Planned Giving Director Major Gifts Director Stewardship Corporations & Foundations Director Alumni Relations

College of the Holy Cross Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations Director of Special Events & Donor Relations Director of Development Director of Principal Gifts Director of Alumni Relations Director of Advancement Services

Is there a line between what is meaningful and what is redundant?  Our success stories Holy Cross University of San Francisco

You are the donor  Position yourself as a central resource All stewardship flows through you, for consistency from year to year and throughout your organization Avoids duplicate efforts.

The best way to say thanks?  Gifts (i.e. lapel pins, books, crystal)  Thank you notes  Endowment reporting  Events (celebrations, dedications etc..)  Naming Opportunities  Recognition/Achievement Societies  Gift Announcements/ Articles in magazine  Personal visits  Student recipient thank you  Direct correspondence from Pres., VP etc.  Involve major donors when possible (i.e. as Trustees or members of an Advisory Board

The personal touch  Reports, acknowledgements, gift reciepts, scholarships and endowment reporting, etc.  Personal Stewardship plans  Other duties as assigned

Conclusion  A strong stewardship program should be: Systematic Strategic Consistent With a strong commitment to: Quality Timeliness Efficiency Effectiveness

Questions?