5 Tips for Alumni Fundraising

Alumni Fundraising

There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing your alumni go on into new and exciting chapters of their lives. In fact, the education your school provided them made it all possible. When those students feel passionate about your school and their education, they are happy to donate because it is something they believe in. However, as alumni enter new stages of life, move away, and start new careers it becomes difficult to retain that relationship. With that said, here are 5 tips for alumni fundraising so you can maintain their valuable support.

Use A Digital Fundraising Platform

First off, convenience is key. Without a doubt, traditional fundraising methods can still prove effective. However, making it as easy and quick as possible to donate is paramount. A digital fundraising platform is a great way to easily acquire donations. A payment processor allows alumni to donate with just a few clicks. This also allows for creative digital fundraising strategies such as annual giving days.

Host An Alumni-Only Fundraiser

Many alumni are more than excited to meet back up with classmates for a school they are proud of. An alumni-only fundraising event can be a great way to bring in donations. After all, they want to help give their same experiences to new students. Implementing ideas such as guest speakers, school merchandise, and more can bring in a great crowd of alumni that are happy to donate to a cause they believe in.

Implement Buyer Personas

Truly, understanding the demographic of your alumni is crucial. Who is responding to and connecting with your donation campaigns? Research this by age, gender, and more to what platforms they use and which ones connect best with your school. Then use their buyer personas for targeted donation campaigns. This allows you to better appeal on an individual basis.

Use Automation To Stay Engaged

Another one of the 5 tips for alumni fundraising is to use automation to stay engaged. From emails to social media, automation can be an effective tool for fundraising. Even more, it can save a great deal of time while also keeping a strong, frequent connection with your alumni. Using personalized greetings and messages can also keep your automated engagements from feeling bland or uninspired. Create scheduled posts and emails to stay in touch so your alumni have regular reminders of your school’s donation opportunities.

Boost Your Social Media Presence

Finally, social media is many people’s preferred method of communication. Without regularly implementing it, you are missing out on a myriad of donation opportunities. Keep your posts consistent and frequent to maintain that bond. Moreover, social media allows for creative, engaging storytelling through videos and pictures.

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