Prospect research is quickly evolving away from traditional research due to advancement in data, technology, and AI and moving towards proactive analytics that delivers actionable, data-informed insights that directly impact fundraising decision making. To keep ahead of these trends, the Oregon State University (OSU) Foundation embarked on a three-year initiative to redefine its research approach by creating a dynamic, proactive, data-informed program prioritizing close partnerships with Development and emphasizing strategic conversations grounded in analytics. This new approach resulted in the formation of the newly branded Relationship Insights team at the OSU Foundation. Recognized with a 2024 Silver CASE Circle of Excellence award, this presentation tells the story of how the OSU Foundation went from Research to Relationship Insights. We will share how other organizations can adopt similar approaches to enhance their organization's research and fundraising efforts by providing more proactive value to their development officers, and what the future holds for the Relationship Insights team.

Have you ever had a great idea to Advance the Mission of your School, only to have it limited by inaccessible resources? The best ideas in academic programming, athletic offerings, residential life experiences, issues around DEI, educational technology, risk-management, and student support often come with price tags that put them out of reach. Explore how to deepen your impact as a leader through practical approaches to securing the human and financial resources needed, "one conversation at a time".

In this session, we will explore a real-world case study that demonstrates how collaboration, strategic planning, and effective stakeholder engagement can drive revenue growth and transform an organization. Imagine starting at a new organization raising just $600,000 a year and transforming it to a consistent $3 million a year in revenue after just 18 months. We’ll explore the practical strategies that fueled our growth and how to create a collaborative relationship with Faculty and Advancement leadership. Join us to learn more about this journey where people power and relationships led to dramatic financial transformation!

Explore how technology can enhance donor experiences with bespoke, scalable stewardship through new communication developments at Oregon State University. Faced with rising expectations for personalized touchpoints and a notable 20% increase in major gift donors over the past five years, the Oregon State University Foundation’s Stewardship team partnered with Fundmetric, an AI-driven fundraising platform. Together, they have begun pioneering unique communications custom-fitted to donors’ interests. Despite having only one team member dedicated to this effort, OSU Stewardship now harnesses this approach to amplify outreach and create tailored experiences for thousands of donors. Join us to explore how your team can craft communications and weave in data to deliver personalized luxury at scale.

Come join UVic’s Leadership Giving Team to learn how, with minimal resources and a team of three, they secured a 50% response rate to their invitation to meet, and over 20% positive responses, including major gifts and new student awards. With a comprehensive campaign on the horizon, all hands are on deck to help identify new prospects to support UVic’s ambitious goals. Through a multi-channel, personalized qualification strategy, the newly established Leadership Giving team (raising gifts in the 1k-25k/year range) launched a personalized invitation to meet -- and in the process, developed a scalable qualification model on a shoestring budget. Learn about their DIY approach and leave with ideas, and a solid plan to uncover prospects in your own database.

Join four fundraisers from the University of Oregon for an exciting conversation about working the mid-level! Topics covered will include donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; moving donors along the pipeline from annual giving to major gifts; and navigating career growth as a frontline fundraiser. Bring your questions and be ready for some real talk!