Author: mturner

Alumni Relations and Giving

Post author By mturner
Post date September 9, 2016

Alumni Relations and Giving

We develop a roadmap for enhanced program performance, increased engagement and seamless continuity with all philanthropic efforts.

Overview

Many potential markets for philanthropic support of educational institutions exist, but working out in concentric circles, alumni represent the largest cohort of those with affiliation. Alumni represent the past and the future of an institution and if properly engaged can add immeasurably to the creation of a pipeline of support. Full understanding of the current and future capabilities of Alumni Relations can make the difference between an average advancement program and a strong, sustainable one, and specific strategies are required to harness the potential and unique characteristics. S. Sutton and Associates can provide the best possible thinking, strategies, and approaches for each client’s specific situation.

Program Review, Recommendations and Implementation

S. Sutton and Associates’ consultants conduct an analysis that identifies strengths, gaps, and challenges of the Alumni Relations program and present initial recommendations.

This is a rigorous analysis of structure, alumni events, programming and activities, metrics, resources and historical performance. This may also include alumni surveys, and data analytics to improve understanding of the alumni base and how to segment and engage them most effectively.

Potential areas to explore include affinity programs, alumni board management, alumni engagement, class and reunion programs, communications, marketing and social medial effectiveness, diversity programs, international programs, regional programs, strategic planning, student programming, volunteer management and young alumni programs.

Following report delivery, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. are available to institutional or Alumni Relations’ leadership to assist in implementation of recommendations.

Services

Advancement Services

Post author By mturner
Post date September 9, 2016

Advancement Services

Operations and advancement support services are a vital element of the total fundraising program and are critical not only to the success of the fundraising enterprise, but also to the profile and reputation of the institution. Using a business process review model, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. can work with you to identify opportunities for operational improvements in advancement operations and guide you through a strategy to implement and integrate these functions within your organization.

Overview

Advancement Services are the functional areas within an organization that support fundraising on every level. The success of frontline fundraisers becomes one element in an overall system of support that develops and sustains relationships with donors. Effective prospect management and tracking, gift processing, counting, receipting and acknowledgement, revenue tracking and reporting and donor stewardship are critical not only to the success of the fundraising enterprise, but also to the overall profile and reputation of the institution.

Functional Area Expertise

The functional areas of advancement operations are highly technical. Our experienced and expert consultants in these functional areas are well equipped to provide guidance and support in the following areas:

Donor centric stewardship operations to maintain and enhance relationships.
Prospect management and tracking – review of the prospect pool, evaluation of gift capacity, target ask amounts and assignment to gift officers.
Gift officer workflow and productivity.
Back-office operations such as gift processing, counting, receipting and acknowledgement.
Revenue tracking and reporting.
Selection, design, and implementation of integrated fundraising software platforms and systems for fundraising.
Management of database records to improve operational efficiencies and reduce overhead costs.
Standard reports inventory to introduce cost-effective solutions and eliminate ad-hoc requests.