BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR ALUMNI PARTICIPATION WITH A SENIOR CLASS GIFT CHALLENGE Lance Balding, Director of Annual Giving, University of Miami School of Business Administration

AGENDA Senior Class Gift Trends UM & SBA History Challenge Creation Challenge Promotion Challenge Results Challenge Benefits Next Steps

EXPECTATIONS

SENIOR CLASS GIFT TRENDS Common student philanthropy initiative Fundraising for campus fixtures, scholarships, or general funds Occur during final month of the school year Student involvement in planning and execution Acknowledgement (gift, recognition, commencement item, etc.) Seniors who give are 3-4 times more likely to make a gift as alumni Students have influence – 2015 Yale University

UM & (SBA) HISTORY University of Miami was established in 1925 Private research university with 17,000 students (3,000) 170,000 active alumni (40,000) FY15 participation rate of 15% (11%) | 61% (55%) retention Senior Class Gift began in 1992 Supports the Senior Class Gift Scholarship Fund 40% (30%) historical participation rate | 12% retention

CHALLENGE CREATION Partner with administration Program needs Student interest Partner with donor(s) Determine interest(s) Propose challenge Focus on participation (true objective) & benefiting program(s) Cultivate student involvement (buy-in, participation, promotion) Dean’s Student Advisory Board / UM Student Alumni Ambassadors

CHALLENGE DETAILS $100 per participation percentage point $5,000 bonus at 50% participation $10,000 bonus at 75% participation Example: 82% participation = $23,200 ($8,200 + $5,000 + $10,000)

PROMOTING THE CHALLENGE Digital (e-solicitations, social media, websites, newsletters, videos, testimonies, etc.) Calling ‘Canes telemarketing Tabling (campus / cap & gown distribution / events) Posters & flyers (campus / graduation gift bags) Classroom presentations by senior ambassadors Events (Legacy Toast, Get Carded, Senior Day at the Rat, Graduation Day at the U statue) Commemorative orange, green and white tassels

CHALLENGE RESULTS FY13FY14FY15 Participation31%53%54% Senior Gifts$3,042$7,425$6,180 Challenge RewardN/A$10,300$10,400 Total Donations$3,042$17,725$16,580

CHALLENGE BENEFITS Creates excitement, fun, competitiveness, pride, and marketability Generates awareness and education Engages students, staff, faculty, alumni and/or friends Increases participation and/or revenue Enhances programs and/or campus aesthetics

NEXT STEPS Taking it to the next level Student chairs (involvement to ownership) Pledges vs one-time gifts Events (SBA-focused) Stewardship (post graduation)

SUCCESS STORIES

TAKEAWAYS Expectations met? What did you learn? What will you implement?

THANK YOU! Lance Balding Director of Annual Giving University of Miami School of Business Administration |