How To Ask For Money From Alumni

3 min read

Alumni appointment goes well across writing checks.

This past twelvemonth has been incredibly difficult on Advancement departments across the country, and y'all might exist feeling the pressure to get those much-needed gifts whatever manner you tin. Merely don't fall into the trap of solely using email, phone, and text communications to ask for a financial contribution. You need to be sensitive to what your alumni may be experiencing during the pandemic, and while they may or may not be able to give today, they yet deserve support and engagement opportunities.

A text bulletin tin can go a long way in showing your higher's alumni that you intendance, and a simple gesture can create long-term appointment that will encourage them to give when the time is right for them.

Invite them to a virtual event

In that location'due south no question that in the historic period of social distancing, people are feeling isolated more than than e'er. While on-campus events may exist unattainable for now, it'due south important to get creative and find ways to keep alumni engaged with their alma mater. Virtual events like guest speakers, lectures, and even networking events are all effective ways to bring alumni together and reminisce nigh their days on campus.

Hi <Kickoff>, it'southward <Proper name> from Mongoose U! We're hosting a virtual networking outcome for the <School Proper name> Class of <GRADUATION YEAR> on Friday - would you like to join united states and reconnect with fellow Goose alum?

Become connected with Career Services

Whether an alumni is currently looking for work or interested in a career alter, or even thinking of going back to school for another degree, it'southward important to know well-nigh all of the career-related resources available through your institution. Does your school accept a job board with open positions in your city? Tin alumni encounter virtually with Career Counselors to accept their resume reviewed or do mock interviews? Let them know how y'all can help them take the next step in their career!

Hi <FIRST>, it'southward <Proper name> from Mongoose U! Did y'all know that our Career Services team can help alumni bandbox upwards their resume or practice for an interview? Answer to this bulletin if you'd like to set up a virtual meeting to learn more!

Be a mentor for current students

Navigating the higher journey isn't easy. Add to that a global pandemic and a challenging job market, and you take some very stressed students. This means mentorship is crucial. Current students want to know what's awaiting them afterwards graduation, and how they tin can be prepared to stand out from other job candidates in their field. Text alumni and invite them to mentor graduating seniors - but a uncomplicated Zoom call in one case or twice a calendar month can go a long way in keeping seniors focused and prepare them for the chore market.

Hi <Offset>, it's <NAME> from Mongoose U! Our seniors are eager for career advice as they prepare for graduation - would yous be interested in learning virtually mentorship opportunities with <MAJOR> students?

Keep alumni up-to-date with what's happening on campus

When someone chooses to give to their academy, they want to know how those contributions are being put to work. Don't forget to update alumni on what's new in between giving campaigns. Are new buildings or dormitories being constructed on campus? How are donations helping students struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other circumstances? Donors want to know that they're making a difference, and past being able to see offset-hand the bear on of a fundraising campaign, they're much more likely to go repeat donors.

Hi <FIRST>, I'm <NAME>, a <YEAR IN Schoolhouse> at Mongoose U! I wanted to reach out and thank you personally for your donation this past Giving Day. Because of your contribution, I was able to get some much-needed help ownership my textbooks and some other materials. I can't thank you enough for your support!

There are so many different texts your Advocacy department can ship to keep alumni engaged, whether or not there'south a financial contribution involved. In times like these, it's fifty-fifty more than of import to keep the lines of communication open - someone'southward ability to give shouldn't be the deciding cistron. Your alumni need support, and when they experience supported and valued, they're also more likely to give. Remember: appointment is a year-round initiative, not only when in that location's a Giving Day coming upwards.

Larn more virtually engaging alumni about by downloading our on-demand fundraising and stewardship webinar!