Ph.D - Higher Education - 1981, Wayne State University
Alumni fund raising in private colleges
UMI AAT 8117109
Over the years, alumni fund raising by various private colleges utilized several methods and techniques in raising money for higher education. The purpose of this study was to report patterns of activity and to design a model program for alumni fund raising at private colleges. Examined were the methods and techniques that have evolved for encouraging alumni to contribute. These methods and techniques represent what may be considered the result of successful plans.
Statement of the Problem. This study examined success-oriented phenomena based on observable facts and/or events of scientific interest in those activities affecting the alumni fund raising campaigns at private colleges in the Michigan College Foundation consortium between 1970 and 1979.
This study examined historical data peculiar to selected private colleges determined as successful in alumni fund raising activity. The study included an in-depth analysis of background data through which a pattern of activities common to successful fund raising at private colleges has been determined.
Specifically, the study was designed to research the following questions: (1)Does success in alumni fund raising result from the use of methods and techniques which can be identified? (2)What were the specific methods and techniques available? (3)What did the presidents state were the successful elements? (4)What did the development officers state were the successful elements? (5)Were methods and techniques employed more significant in alumni fund raising than variation in situation (history, tradition, physical setting, philosophy, and individual personalities)?
Methods of the Study. The data for this study were collected from three sources: (1)published tabular campaign results from member institutions in the Michigan College Foundation consortium, (2)the mailing of a questionnaire-survey to all member institutions, (3)interviews with presidents and development officers from five member institutions believed to have been the most successful in alumni fund raising programs from among the sixteen Michigan colleges.
Data were collected by three methods: (1)from tabular data published for member institutions by the Council for Financial Aid to Education, (2)the administration of a questionnaire-survey instrument, (3)interviewing of presidents and development officers of the five highest ranking institutions.
Major Findings. The main objective of the study was to gather and present descriptive data which could be useful in organizing and/or improving alumni fund raising programs.
The study revealed, based upon survey results and interviews, that a successful alumni fund raising program will include the following aspects: (1)Institutions strive to gain the reputation as a quality institution. (2)Administrations recognize the importance and emphasis of the Annual Fund as a continuous and main and stable source of income. (3)The alumni constituency is recognized and utilized as traditional supporters of alma maters. (4)Trustees, parents, faculty, staff, friends, students and local community are cultivated as a significant group of supporters. (5)Good internal organization of the development is aligned with a well-planned year-round campaign. (6)There is good external organization and effective use of volunteers. (7)A complete up-to-date list of alumni is developed including address, past giving records and other data pertinent to identification, and cultivation of constituencies to becoming donors. (8)Personal calls are employed as priority whenever possible. (9)A calendar is used for effective planning. (10)A direct mail campaign is employed in order to gain complete coverage. (11)A phonathon program is used for additional contact. (12)Giving clubs include three or four levels to encourage specific amount donations.
SAM - American Management Journal
Reviewer: 2009
SAM - Management in Practice Journal
Reviewer: 2009