There must be enough loyalty to the chapter that a significant
number of alumni will be willing to donate and volunteer
in assisting with the campaign.
An evaluation of prospective volunteers and donors must be
done prior to any fundraising; and while there is an entire
process of recruitment and cultivation, there must be some
dedication already present upon which to build.
The Value of a Feasibility Study
A study is the primary tool for assessing the dedication
and loyalty of your alumni. The goal is to determine
their willingness and capability to donate and volunteer.
Look for at least 30% of your living/locatable alumni
to donate at their level of capability, and at least
one volunteer that can be recruited for every class year.
The process gives you an opportunity to develop “ownership” amongst
your alumni.
How
Your Alumni & Parents Will Donate
The thought of everyone pitching in a similar amount
in order to reach your goal sounds appealing and
reasonable. It is, however, absolutely unheard of.
Alumni and parents will
give at different levels, for different reasons,
and at different stages of the project. A $1.0 million
campaign may end up like this:
Giving
Level |
#
of Gifts Needed |
Proceeds |
$100,000-249,999 |
1 |
100,000 |
$50,000-99,999 |
3 |
150,000 |
$25,000-49,999 |
6 |
150,000 |
$10,000-24,999 |
15 |
150,000 |
$5,000-9,999 |
30 |
150,000 |
$2,500-4,999 |
40 |
100,000 |
$1,000-2,499 |
150 |
150,000 |
$500
- 999 |
100 |
50,000 |
Totals |
345 |
$1,000,000 |
You’ll note that 70% of the contributions in this
example come from just over 15% of the total
donors. Financial leadership is key to success.
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