Johns Hopkins University & Medicine - Development and Alumni Relations’ Post

Achieving 40% Alumni Participation: Lessons from William & Mary William & Mary's bold campaign to reach 40% alumni participation offers valuable insights into effective engagement and retention strategies. Here's how they did it: 1️⃣ Integrated Strategy: Focus on engagement, participation, and fundraising to drive overall success. Cultivate a sense of belonging among donors through various initiatives. 2️⃣ Growing Volunteer Network: Recruit alumni volunteers to connect with classmates, fostering a culture of giving and involvement. 3️⃣ Innovative Fundraising Campaigns: Launch initiatives like "One Tribe, One Day" to generate excitement and encourage participation, leveraging the power of collective giving. 4️⃣ Retention over Acquisition: Prioritize retaining existing donors through personalized strategies, recognizing loyal supporters, and implementing student philanthropy programs. 5️⃣ Leadership Buy-In: Secure commitment from top leadership to drive advancement efforts and instill a culture of philanthropy throughout the institution. By focusing on engagement and retention while garnering leadership support, William & Mary successfully doubled their alumni giving rate. Institutions can replicate this success by prioritizing participation and fostering a culture of philanthropy across all levels. #AlumniEngagement #FundraisingSuccess #PhilanthropyCulture

From the back of the library, what I'm reading as a philanthropy PhD student: 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁 isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a c͇r͇i͇t͇i͇c͇a͇l͇ trait for higher education fundraisers. We’re talking about the passion and perseverance that fuel successful major gift solicitations. Let’s dive in🏊. McCann’s (🎓) study reveals how grit manifests in development officers’ experiences. She found that… - Passion and Pathways: Development officers often come from varied backgrounds, bringing diverse skills from sales, education, and relationship-building roles. They share a deep commitment to their institution’s mission. - Motivation and Personal Values: Intrinsic motivation drives these professionals. They find personal satisfaction in their work, seeing the tangible impacts of their efforts on students and institutions. - Resilience and Adaptability: These fundraisers demonstrate remarkable resilience when facing frequent rejections. They continuously refine their approaches, learning from setbacks, and maintaining a positive outlook. - Self-Talk Matters: Positive self-talk is a critical strategy. While some struggle with negative self-talk, many learn to overcome it through reflection and support from colleagues. - Long-Term Impact: Metrics provide short-term motivation, but enduring satisfaction comes from the long-term impact on the educational opportunities created for students and institutional growth. How do you maintain your grit in the face of challenges? I would love to hear from long-time fundraisers (25 yrs +). McCann, J. A. (2018). Exploring Grit in the Experiences of Higher Education Development Officers: A Phenomenological Study. University of Texas at Tyler. #Backofthelibrary #Research #Philanthropy #Fundraising #Grit --- No, seriously, I'm actually sitting in the back of the library right now. I'm Anna Schlia, a PhD student studying HigherEd Philanthropy. I'm a fundraiser, consultant, and philanthropy zealot, on a mission to promote research-based insights across our sector. Follow me for more philanthropy nuggets and message me if you want to chat about how research can support your fundraising efforts. #TheorytoAction.

🌟 Transformative Philanthropy: Ruth Gottesman’s Remarkable Gift 🌟 In a world where acts of kindness and generosity often go unnoticed, Ruth Gottesman shines as a beacon of hope and compassion. At the age of 93, this remarkable woman has made history with her unprecedented $1 billion donation to Albert Einstein College of Medicine, offering students the gift of free tuition. Ruth Gottesman’s extraordinary gesture not only alleviates the financial burden for aspiring medical professionals but also revolutionizes access to education in one of New York City’s most underserved communities. Her commitment to equity and excellence sets a new standard for philanthropy, inspiring others to consider the profound impact they can make on society. With tuition costs soaring and student debt reaching staggering levels, Ruth Gottesman’s donation provides a lifeline for countless individuals pursuing careers in medicine. By eliminating financial barriers, she empowers students to focus on their studies, pursue innovative research, and ultimately, contribute to the well-being of communities worldwide. Beyond the financial aspect, Ruth Gottesman’s legacy extends far beyond the walls of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her dedication to education and healthcare underscores the importance of investing in future generations and fostering a culture of compassion and empathy. As we reflect on Ruth Gottesman’s extraordinary act of kindness, let us also recognize the power we each hold to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether through philanthropy, volunteerism, or simply spreading kindness in our daily interactions, we have the opportunity to create a brighter, more inclusive world for all. #Philanthropy #Education #MedicalEducation #CommunityImpact #Inspiration #Kindness #Generosity #SocialGood #AlbertEinsteinCollegeOfMedicine #RuthGottesman

December holds a special significance for me, marking the time when I proudly walked across the stage in 2021 to accept my Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management degree from the University of Houston-Downtown. Despite the uncertainties of the COVID era, I managed to complete the program within a year and a half of commencement. The global chaos during my graduation period didn't deter my commitment to learning and growing in the field of Nonprofit Management. The experience broadened my perspective on both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. I was fortunate to be mentored by distinguished professors who, as Presidents and CEOs of renowned nonprofit organizations, imparted invaluable knowledge, preparing me for a meaningful role in the sector. My academic journey exposed me to various facets of the nonprofit landscape, and I developed a keen interest in areas such as Strategic Planning, Nonprofit Governance, Fundraising, and Volunteer Engagement. The insights gained during my studies transformed my understanding of the world, people, philanthropy, and business. Recently, I made the decision to integrate Nonprofit Consultations as an additional service within Regal Virtual Assistant Services. This choice arose after being approached for advice on creating and managing nonprofits on multiple occasions. Now, I have the privilege of leveraging my passion and expertise to make a positive impact, creating opportunities to change lives. #RegalVAServices #SimplifyAndElevate #VAServices #VirtualProfessionals #BusinessProductivity #Recruitment #WorkflowOptimization #DigitalProductivity #VirtualTeam #AdminSupport #EfficiencyBoost #MyThoughtsThursday

For everyone working in #HigherEd, I know you probably feel crazed right now between commencement and alumni weekend activities, but I’d encourage you to keep the following in mind: 🤔Think about how to engage the important donors who aren’t a part of these festivities. This is a prime moment in the academic calendar for an institution to reflect on achievements over the past year and express #gratitude to the #donors who helped make this progress possible. But they’re not all going to be at commencement or alumni weekend. When I was working in-house before consulting, I spearheaded an effort at one institution to add an additional #DevelopmentCommunication timed to hit mailboxes around this time of year. This communication: 🫶🏻reached all donors over a certain giving threshold (not just those who happened to graduate in a specific year or who have a child graduating) 💝 delivered a thoughtful and beautiful expression of gratitude 💪 strengthened the institution’s culture of philanthropy It’s also worth noting that this communication was not an impact report, but a separate gratitude communication that worked hand-in-hand with an unrestricted impact report that hit slightly later. This is just one way to make sure that the donors who matter get the messaging they deserve — 👉 Your turn: How do you reach all of your most important donors around the end of the academic year? — At #Weiswood Strategies, we partner with colleges, universities, and other nonprofits on communications strategies that increase contributions and deepen donor relationships. Like this post? You might also like our periodic email newsletter with practical information on fundraising communications. Sign up at weiswood.com.

"Thrilled to share that I've been selected as an APN Youth Research Associate! This incredible opportunity allows me to delve into philanthropic giving practices and contribute to collective struggles through research papers. I'm passionate about making a meaningful impact, and I can't wait to share my perspectives in this esteemed project. #APN #YouthLeadership #Research"

Reflecting on My First Month as Head of Donor Relations at The Children's Hospital Trust 🌟 One Month In: Lessons Learned in My New Role 🌟 I'm grateful to provide an update on my journey as the Head of Donor Relations at The Children's Hospital Trust. Transitioning from the corporate world to a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) has been an eye-opening experience. Here are some valuable insights I've gained during my first month: 1. 🤝 **Building Meaningful Connections:** Cultivating trust with donors and partners is an ongoing priority. 2. 📖 **The Power of Storytelling:** Compelling narratives are a catalyst for action and support. 3. 📊 **Measuring Impact:** Setting clear goals and tracking progress are essential for our mission. 4. 🌎 **Advocating for Children:** Amplifying the voices of children remains at the core of our work. My role is an ongoing journey of growth and contribution, and I'm excited to share these lessons with you. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of children. 📣 If you'd like to learn more about The Children's Hospital Trust, visit their website or follow them on social media. Your support means the world to us. 🔗 #Leadership #PBO #ChildrensHospital #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #DonorRelations #makingadifference

Having been in the Wealth Intelligence space for a long time, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of segmentation in a University's donor engagement efforts. Understanding the wealth potential within a donor database is pivotal and segmentation is your ace in the hole. Why is it such a game-changer, you ask? Imagine this scenario: Tailoring the perfect message, delivered to precisely the right person, exactly when they need to hear it. Segmentation ensures that gift officers can connect with individuals whose wealth capacity aligns seamlessly with the university's mission and objectives. This not only elevates the odds of fundraising success but also guarantees a donor experience that's personal and gratifying. In essence, it's about nurturing enduring relationships and leaving an indelible mark. #UniversityFundraising #DonorEngagement #HigherEducation #SegmentationSuccess #Philanthropy

☀️ Alumni Spotlight Series: Christine K. ☀️ 👉 Christine graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in International Relations and Global Studies 👉 She was a Second Day Impact Fellow at Chelsea's Hope Lafora Children Research Fund USA in 2022 👉 Today, she is the Communications and Development Director at Chelsea's Hope Lafora Children Research Fund USA where she manages their social media, brand, and monthly newsletter. She also fundraises, designs graphics, updates the website, coordinates the volunteer program, and does everything she can to serve their mission of improving the lives of those affected by Lafora Disease. 👉 Through Second Day, she learned the importance of connecting with other cause-driven people to create positive impact, and their mentorship and training were invaluable in shaping her personal philosophy of change and burgeoning career. 👉 She advises those interested in social impact to "Check out Second Day's resources and job feed! Seriously, though. Another piece of advice is to address burnout when you start to feel it. Personally, reconnecting with my "why" or taking some time off helps." ✨ Way to go, Christine! #socialimpact #nonprofit #communications #marketing

Applications are being accepted to fill a volunteer Board of Trustees of a new private foundation benefitting parks and communities in Pennsylvania. The People, Parks & Community Foundation will provide grants to nonprofits and municipalities to develop and connect people, parks, and communities by producing and supporting recreational and educational opportunities, creating and sustaining local parks and open spaces, and envisioning and promoting vibrant, livable communities. To ensure a diverse and competency-based board, the Foundation is recruiting interest from potential candidates to serve as trustees. Desired trustee qualifications include proven expertise in foundation/nonprofit governance and leadership; strategic business development; revenue development and financial management; philanthropy, grantmaking and grants management; public advocacy and coalition building; people and community development; marketing and communications; and organizational identity and branding. Contact Tim Herd, CEO, Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society at herd@prps.org for more information or to apply. Trustee candidates must submit a letter of interest, resume, and complete a brief profile form by August 16. #foundation #grantmaking #revenuedevelopment #nonprofit #management #leadership #parks #philanthropy #communities #capacitybuilding #grants #grantmanagment #strategic #businessdevelopment #livability #trustee #boardofdirectors #boardoftrustees #competencybasedBoard #recreation #education #openspace #diversity #qualifications #development #marketing #communications #funding #fundraising #volunteer