Princeton University's Gift Planning program faced a challenge as to how to bring more content-rich programming to its legacy society members and create awareness about planned gifts. Members, many of whom are retired, expressed their desire to participate in our events but found the distance and travel a barrier. As a solution, Princeton Gift Planning launched a webinar series that offers hour-long programs on personal finance, philanthropy, and estate planning, delivered by experts from its alumni community. Branded under the banner of its legacy giving society but open to all, the seminars can be viewed live or at the viewer's convenience anytime, and are promoted by email and web. Participation has been phenomenal, far outpacing participation at traditional planned giving events. It is now the program's greatest generator of leads, averaging 300 registrants per seminar to date.
From the Judges
This webinar series was exceptionally innovative and creative. Of note is the perfect blending of stewardship with the opportunity to secure further prospects. All development teams should aim for events that cover both objectives. The planning and execution is of the highest quality, and to be able to introduce a whole new event series within an existing operating budget is highly commendable. The Princeton Gift Planning Team is leading the way in the future of virtual fundraising.
