During the 90th anniversary of Tyler Junior College (TJC), an initiative was launched to transform an out of date municipal auditorium into a comprehensive performing arts center. Originally, community members came forward to address limited renovations due to safety concerns. Due to their leadership and generosity, the vision emerged for a $13.5 million project supported by a successful $8.5 million Campaign for the Performing Arts.

This session will feature a case study of the Campaign, which raised more $8.6 million towards the new facility and two accompanying outdoor spaces. This was the first, more traditional campaign for TJC and the Tyler Junior College Foundation, which strategically engaged resources to successfully implement an education and cultivation phase, leadership fundraising and a more public initiative to gain new contributors and establish an endowment to preserve the new center.

What started as a small-scale remodel, became “the little campaign that could”, moving full steam ahead to provide a new, high quality, arts center serving TJC legacy arts programs and the East Texas region; build new partnerships with various community organizations; and, engage a new base of contributors through the Tyler Junior College Foundation.

Faced with a shrinking student population and a regional college attainment rate that was 20% lower than the state average, this rural Appalachian community college implemented a fundraising plan and creative solutions to changing the trajectory of its enrollment and the region's future economic viability.

An accelerated endowment or capital campaign will test an organization's advancement operations. Is your advancement office prepared to take on a campaign? Learn how one advancement office successfully navigated an accelerated campaign and and as a result transformed their strategy and operations post campaign. This case study explores how this office integrated data analytics, strategic planning, and staff development post campaign to reach new fundraising goals, cultivate new donors, and grow their office to meet new challenges.

Join us to explore the art and science of developing a dynamic Corporate Partnership Program that not only streamlines the ask for corporate supporters but also enhances their engagement experience. In this session, we delve into the strategic creation of a menu-style offering, simplifying the selection process for potential partners. Learn how to tailor benefits that resonate deeply with corporate values, fostering meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships. Plus, attendees will receive sample templates and materials to kickstart their own partnership programs. Don't miss out on discovering the keys to crafting a cohesive partnership program that seamlessly aligns with corporate objectives while maximizing impact for both parties involved.

Imagine your alumni advocating for your school inside your largest community employers, connecting you to resources and opening partnership opportunities. This presentation features insights from an Alumni Council leader, as well as the infrastructure and relationship building ideas that helped to make this possible.

Fundraising in rural areas and in those areas experiencing economic hardship represent a real challenge for small and medium-sized Colleges across the nation. In this session, East Georgia State leadership will share their ‘Top 10’ issues for working in these environments and how they are trying to solve them. Is there money in these rural communities to support the mission of the College? If so, how does the leadership team of the College build the relationships and community engagement that is needed and how should those messages be communicated? Following the presentation, they will seek the feedback and advice from those that attend to develop a list of best practices.

Bob Whittaker, Executive Director of the Salt Lake Community College Foundation, alongside SLCC's partners at Gravyty, will share wisdom and practical takeaways from SLCC's 2024 Giving Day, their most successful Giving Day yet, and their plans to build on this success in future campaigns. Enjoy a deep dive into SLCC's innovative use of student ambassadors, video communications, and giving gamification, along with their latest endeavor of rolling out Texting as part of their engagement strategy. SLCC's technology partners at Gravyty will co-host the session and share further insight into how other colleges are riding the next wave of digital fundraising innovation!

Diablo Valley College has tried no less than six times over 5 decades to create an alumni association. We tried again. Did it work? Come find out as we discuss the planning, implementation and results of yet another attempt to connect with our alumni.

Planned gifts ensure the future of your institution, learn how Tyler Junior College Foundation invested into developing an intentional legacy program TODAY that will lead them to their planned giving prospects TOMORROW!

Addressing the critical need for holistic support for minority students in higher education. While scholarships are essential, they only scratch the surface of what is needed for the success of underrepresented students. Augmenting existing minority cohort programs by raising funds to provide experiential opportunities that foster holistic student development. These experiences include attending leadership conferences, study abroad, participating in mock-interview sessions, engaging in improv session to enhance communication skills, and networking lunches with donors who share similar backgrounds. By investing in these additional opportunities, we aim to empower minority students by enhancing their soft skills, expanding their networks, and fostering their leadership abilities. The presentation will delve into the rationale behind this approach, share success stories, and outline steps for implementation.