Best Practices for Educational Fundraising!
As the world’s leading resource for annual giving programs, AGN helps educational institutions develop sustainable sources of philanthropic support. We’re proud to have served thousands of colleges, universities, and independent schools through our research, training, and consulting services, and through our membership program, which provides ongoing access to professional development.
Read below for our latest news, upcoming events, and more!
Article: Constructing a Successful Challenge
Do you like a good challenge? For most annual giving professionals, the answer is a definite YES. Over the past decade, challenges have become an important part of many annual giving programs. A recent AGN poll found that 83 percent of academic institutions are planning two or more challenges in the coming year. Although there is no one-size-fits-all structure for challenges, there are several characteristics that good challenges have in common. They all begin with the letter A … Read more.
Podcast S3 E3: Megan Rajski | Making a Move
Megan Rajski, Director of Annual Giving at Fairfield University, talks about making the decision to take a job in a different part of the country, negotiating salary, working “in” the office, applying experience at a big nonprofit to educational fundraising, starting out as a volunteer, and more! Listen to this episode now.
Sample: U of Wyoming's Steamboat Society Appeal
This direct mail piece featured retro graphic art of an iconic steamboat horse (taken from the school logo) in an attempt to convey feelings of tradition and history to this important group of leadership donors. It was sent to members who had not yet renewed and included specific examples of how $1,000 gifts “make a difference”. Visit AGN’s Sample Library to view the full sample and find hundreds of other great ideas. Click here to visit the sample library now.
Featured Job: Director, Marketing & Engagement at NYU
The Director, Marketing & Engagement will develop, lead, and manage a comprehensive annual giving direct response strategy to raise dollars and donors for NYU. This program includes direct mail, Phonathon outreach, and digital fundraising to alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, and students at NYU. Overseeing a team, the director sets goals and objectives, devises strategies, determines schedules, oversees execution, and monitors results. Learn more.
Featured Job: Annual Giving & Program Manager at UNC School of the Arts
The Annual Giving and Program Manager position is a new role that will play an important part in the success of the Advancement team. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Development, Annual & Family Giving, the Annual Giving and Program Manager will provide direct support for our giving programs, boards, donor recognition and volunteer groups, as well provide support for the annual Days of Giving and brick program. Learn more.
Sample: UVA’s “Happy 70th Birthday, Larry” Appeal
This email effort celebrated a beloved political science professor’s 70th birthday by playing up the number 7. It was sent out on August 7th and highlighted specific examples of how gifts of $7, $70, $700, and $7,000 could benefit the university’s political science program and its students. Visit AGN’s Sample Library to view the full sample and find hundreds of other great ideas. Click here to visit the sample library now.
Become an AGN Member Today!
This is a great time to invest in professional development for your team. AGN Membership provides advancement staff and volunteers with ongoing access to the training and tools that they’ll need to be successful. Learn more or become a member today!