Philanthropy Education Week: A Case Study in Laying a Strong Foundation for Annual Giving
A strong student philanthropy education program creates opportunities to engage students, expand campus partnerships, and steward donors. W&L's undergraduate philanthropy initiative builds a pipeline to a successful senior gift and robust volunteer performance culminating in $10 million raised for the Annual Fund. FY23 provided the opportunity to revitalize student philanthropy in connection with lifelong engagement. In March 2023, the Washington and Lee Annual Giving team executed a four-day program highlighting the impact of philanthropy on student experience. Leaders across campus, from the Senior Gift Committee to the Career Office, partnered to present fun and focused philanthropy events, engaging 30% of our student body.
In this case study, we will discuss our objectives, methods, and takeaways. Attendees will acquire tools to conduct a multi-day philanthropy education event with student buy-in, strong campus partners, and substantive programming. The group will discuss ways to expand the event’s impact beyond campus to engage alumni, parents, and friends.