Prospect research is quickly evolving due to innovative technologies, new best practices, and advancement in data analytics and AI. Because of these emerging tools and practices there is a distinct shift in the role of the traditional researcher in fundraising that is moving away from the collection and aggregation of information (e.g., reactive profiles) and towards creating proactive relationship management analytics and delivering actionable, data-informed insights that directly impact fundraising decision making. To keep ahead of these trends, Oregon State University Foundation (OSUF) embarked on a three-year initiative to redefine its research approach, resulting in the newly branded Relationship Insights team at OSUF. At its core Relationship Insights represents a cultural shift in OSUF’s approach to relationship management and research that focuses on creating a dynamic, proactive, data-informed program prioritizing close partnerships with Development and providing research analysts opportunities to embrace new technology while deemphasizing the more reactive, traditional research. Join us to learn more about the Relationship Insights team’s journey that led to being recognized with a 2024 Silver CASE Circle of Excellence award in Advancement Services, and along the way learn how your organization can adopt a similar approach and how rethinking research can be beneficial for both your Advancement Services and Fundraising teams. We will specifically discuss the strategies implemented in this shift, how other organizations can adopt and benefit from this type of approach, the lessons learned, 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 the ever-evolving landscape of higher education fundraising, the role of academic leaders, particularly Deans, is critical in driving successful comprehensive campaigns. This session will delve into best practices and case study-style examples from the University of Idaho’s $500M "Brave. Bold. Unstoppable." campaign, highlighting the series of workshops conducted to empower Deans. These workshops focused on casting a vision, developing a case for support for each academic unit, creating individual donor strategies, and activating and utilizing volunteers for campaign fundraising at the unit level.

In this lightning-fast session, we’ll condense 25 years of higher ed print communications experience into 60 ideas that you can use TODAY to make your print publications more read, more loved, and more valuable. From optimizing your print publications for the coffee table to techniques that can 8x the effectiveness of your headlines, to “engagement engineering” to make stories as feedback-friendly as possible, participants will come away with concrete ideas that they can implement immediately and make a real difference for their publications and communications.

In this multi-disciplinary approach, learn how Oregon State University crafted its most comprehensive discovery program to date. This presentation will showcase how we blend traditional marketing and analytics with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and connect with potential donors. Learn about our newly formed team of development officers dedicated exclusively to this critical work, and discover how this program is also driving our volunteer engagement efforts. In an industry facing a challenging donor landscape, this program represents a forward-thinking solution to rejuvenate and expand OSU's donor base, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for the organization.

In this dynamic and insightful presentation, we delve into the art and science of securing transformative first-time major gifts for non-profit organizations. Drawing from our extensive experience in the field, my partner and I share proven strategies, compelling stories, and expert advice on cultivating and inspiring donors to make significant contributions. We explore the psychology behind major giving, discuss effective donor engagement techniques, and provide practical tools for building lasting relationships with potential major donors. Our collaborative approach combines my expertise in donor psychology and storytelling with my partner's strengths in strategic planning and implementation. Together, we offer a comprehensive view of the major gift process, from initial prospect identification to successful solicitation and stewardship. Throughout the presentation, we share real-world examples of successful first-time major gifts, analyzing the key factors that led to these philanthropic milestones. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights, innovative approaches, and renewed inspiration to elevate their organization's major gift program.

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.

Learn how advancement services at the University of Manitoba became the catalyst for a data-driven transformation and a hub of innovation. This journey began with a bold statement: "to become a data-driven organization." By implementing direct changes, advancement services evolved from a small service unit into a dynamic solutions provider. This transformation rapidly expanded to adjacent business units and, within just four years, reached central departments and faculties. Discover the best practices and strategies that fueled this rapid evolution, and learn how to apply these principles to foster innovation and data-driven decision-making in your own organization. Join us for an inspiring session filled with actionable insights and proven success stories.

What is it about “the little engine that could” that allowed it to successfully pull the train over the mountain when larger engines refused to even try? Why is it that California pistachio farmers so often become millionaires when the trees take years to mature and bear fruit? What can we learn from the little engine that exclaimed “I think I can…I think I can” as it huffed and puffed to the mountain top? Can universities and colleges embarking on a major comprehensive campaign learn from these examples? Yes, when one considers the common characteristics or ingredients in a successful campaign: patience, persistence, and a healthy culture of philanthropy. It is almost universal that comprehensive campaigns, especially multi-year, first time efforts, are a mixture of challenges and opportunities. But with patience, persistence and a keen understanding of your culture of philanthropy, the challenges can be met, and the opportunities can bear fruit. Join us for an in-depth look at these issues and obstacles and get tips on how patience and persistence can lead to success: • How do you go about setting meaningful priorities and goals? How do you respond to shifting priorities? • Explore strategies when changes in leadership occur. • Join our discussion on successful techniques to grow or enhance your prospect pool. • It takes money to raise money. Explore with colleagues the multiple methods for aquiring resources that will put you on a path to a successful campaign. • What do you do when when campaign fatigue sets in? • Identifying and growing your culture of philanthropy is essential to campaign success. Explore with us the four key pillars of a robust culture and how you can improve them as your campaign unfolds.

As creatives, we often express the desire to secure a seat at "the table," aiming to be seen, heard, and influential from this coveted position. However, it's essential to acknowledge that as creatives, we already possess our own table brimming with insights, experience, and impact! This session is aimed at in-house creative professionals aiming for career growth, increased creative opportunities, and the development of leadership skills. This presentation aims to unveil the opportunities for genuine creative impact within your organization, without waiting for an invitation.