The “great wealth transfer” is a monumental phenomenon that is already underway and will continue to impact our work. Over the next two decades, Boomers are expected to transfer approximately $68 trillion in assets to younger generations. This transfer presents a unique opportunity for transformative philanthropy and strategic adaptation within alumni associations. This session will share actionable insights on how alumni associations can leverage this as an opportunity to forge stronger connections with aging constituents while maximizing philanthropic impact.

New fundraisers, whether new to the profession entirely, new to your organization, or new to a discipline or role, can feel like they don't receive enough guidance, direction, and onboarding from their supervisors, mentors, and peers. This session provides practical, clearly defined suggestions for setting up your new fundraisers for success from Day 1! Learn the most important elements of onboarding a new staff member to ensure that they understand your organization and their role.

Uncovering hidden gems in your fundraising pipeline through unlikely and powerful partnerships that drive transformative success! Diving into the integration of prospect research and major gift discovery to transform your fundraising efforts into a data-driven success story.

Discover how to amplify your annual giving efforts through the power of social media. Anna Davis, Assistant Director of Annual Giving & Digital Strategy at Grand Valley State University, will share proven strategies to engage donors, boost visibility, and drive donations using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Learn practical tips for creating compelling content, leveraging paid digital campaigns, and measuring success effectively. Whether you're new to social media fundraising or looking to refine your approach, this session equips you with actionable insights to enhance your organization's outreach and impact.

In today’s philanthropic landscape, donor expectations are evolving. Traditional institutional giving models—such as scholarships, endowments, and unrestricted contributions—are becoming less effective as donors seek more direct impact and alignment with their personal values. This session will explore the shift from giving to a university to giving through a university, focusing on cause-based fundraising strategies that engage donors in meaningful, mission-driven ways. Attendees will learn how to reframe fundraising appeals to emphasize tangible outcomes, leverage storytelling to build trust, and implement digital engagement strategies tailored to next-generation donors. The session will also provide practical insights on navigating institutional challenges, gaining leadership buy-in, and utilizing technology to enhance donor connections.

Get ready to learn from giving day experts! Join Emily Berry and Lola Mauer, the masterminds behind Miami University’s #MoveInMiami and Ball State University’s One Ball State Day, whose campaigns have collectively earned nearly 100 CASE awards. Discover the tips, tricks, and strategies that have made these institutions leaders in the giving day space. You’ll learn how to rally your campus community, maximize donations, and gain inspiration to elevate or launch your own giving day. Whether you're looking to boost your current campaign or exploring why a giving day is a smart investment, this session will provide you with actionable insights and proven strategies for success. Come prepared for a fun, informative, and motivating session that will empower you to make a real impact on your next giving day!

Unlock the power of AI in your daily advancement tasks with this hands-on session! Discover free or low-cost tools like ChatGPT that can streamline donor communications, enhance alumni engagement, and simplify data management. Through real-world examples and an interactive activity, you'll learn how to implement AI solutions today, without waiting for large-scale institutional changes. Walk away with practical strategies to make your work more efficient and impactful, all while staying ahead in the evolving world of higher education advancement.

Join Illinois State University for an engaging session on how personalized video appeals have revolutionized their post-2020 fundraising campaigns. From the clever Holiday Gift Appeal, designed to feel like a fun gift-purchasing experience, to the highly engaging Birds Give Back video, Illinois State has successfully used video to re-engage LYBUNT donors and drive retention rates. These creative campaigns have led to increased CTA clicks and deeper donor connections. Explore how these examples can offer fresh approaches to drive results in your own fundraising efforts.