From the Nominator

"The donor experience department at the University of Nebraska Foundation has recently heightened its focus on our principal gift donors to ensure more standard and focused stewardship efforts. With that has come the utilization of very personalized stewardship plans. As steps within plans are fleshed out, there's a greater need for strategy on how stewardship projects are used for these top donors. For this submission, I focused on our stewardship initiatives for a foundation that was entering a year that had multiple anniversary dates we wanted to recognize and highlight.   

One project within this initiative was a digital impact piece that centered on the 20th anniversary of family foundation's creation. The piece included personalized video messages from funding recipients, university leadership, and close friends. Also included were impact infographics, quotes, and beautiful photographic visuals.   

Another strategic step in this plan included the delivery of gift box focusing on the 30th anniversary of the creation of a fund named after the donor’s father. The box included recreated retro photographs, a “today vs. 1991” list of facts, snacks, and personalized messaging from past recipients.    

Overall, this initiative provided an incredible donor experience for multiple generations within one family and foundation. Through their clear feedback, we know we furthered our relationship, gained more financial support, and shared a recommitted sense of partnership and trust. We did not want to take their dedication for granted and showed them we were paying attention to all they had done."

From the Judges

Very personalized without being expensive and showed impact upon the donor.