To create new ways to engage and grow specific constituencies as donors, Emory University launched the Emory Impact Circles initiative. This program drives constituency-based, collective philanthropic giving for university programs that directly impact members of these targeted communities of interest. The Impact Circles offer opportunities to build community among supporters of Emory-led efforts that help women and girls, communities of color, and the LGBT+ community. Each Impact Circle raises money for its Impact Fund, with funds awarded through an annual grant cycle managed by Emory’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement. Since Impact Circles launched in 2021, nearly $1 million has been raised across three Impact Circles from Emory constituents – primarily alumni – with two of the Impact Circles awarding 18 grants to projects. Significant percentages of these donors made their first or their largest gift to Emory as part of this initiative, with several other long-lapsed donors reengaging to donate to an Impact Fund. Gifts to this initiative aren’t intended to compete with endowments or scholarship support; instead it offers as donors a chance to increase their reach. As we build out the initiative with additional programming, we’ll grow our pipeline for larger solicitations from targeted constituencies.
From the Judges
This winning piece is truly impressive! We loved the innovative concept and its significant impact. The well-thought-out strategy and excellent results demonstrate a successful implementation. This project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, showcasing a pioneering approach that was carefully planned and executed.
