Some in the industry say that the era of phone bank fundraising is in the past. While phone-a-thons have changed from earlier models, we find that phone contact with donors still has value for us, our donors, and for our institution. This session will discuss how we are communicating with phone-loyal donors, how we are approaching phone calls now and, in the future, the importance of multi-channel tools and how we use software tools to put these concepts into practice.

Advancement organizations are increasingly seeking to unlock the potential of engaging underrepresented communities of their alumni bases (BIPOC, LGBTQ, First Generation, etc.). Sometimes, despite best efforts to be inclusive, messages can be interpreted as culturally insensitive and/or tone deaf. It is critical to our organizations to effectively communicate our intended messages, but also understand that words and images have different meanings to varying communities. Session participants will experience and assess examples of such communications, and will develop tools to making outreach strategies more relevant to the intended audiences.

The partnership between Alumni Relations and Admission has evolved over time. What once was a simple relationship with the Alumni Association offering names of volunteers for college fairs, has blossomed into a dynamic partnership between the two offices that has led to new, innovative ways for alumni and advancement staffs to assist Admission in recruiting, and yielding strong incoming classes. The partnership also supports advancement's goals of bringing in new volunteers and increasing their engagement with the institution. This session will feature ideas and programs from two different institutions which will lead to a broad range of discussion topics.

When COVID hit, Miami University decided to help alumni with what it does best: education. The Alumni Association partnered to create an online professional development course free to all alumni: the miniMBA. Conceived and launched in just under two months, the program had more than 7,000 initial registrants with more than half going on to complete the course. The panel will lead you through the process, from conception to marketing to using data to drive future revenue-generating online degree programs.

In this session, we will discuss how best to build the capacity to secure transformational gifts at your institution using a framework that looks at the various elements: The relationship with the donor, academic leader(s), the vision, the business model, and extraordinary stewardship. The Grainger College of Engineering shall serve as a case study in how these elements work together in extraordinary ways.

Picture this: Donor communication as personal as a living room conversation. Pieces whose stories resonate, convey a genuine thank you, congratulate milestones, and ultimately increase giving. Join Stormie Kirby Harless from the Ball State University Foundation and Jonathan Van Oss of Pledgemine as they show you how you can treat your donors as “Segments of One.”