People usually share a strong bond with the institutions they once were part of. This bond runs down a little deeper when it comes to schools. They would happily want to give back to their alma mater in whatever ways they could. This is why among the various school fundraising ideas that one could come up with, Alumni Crowdfunding strategies should top the list.
Crowdfunding is an innovative idea to reach out to your large alumni base and allow them to donate in whatever amount that they are capable of. They could make this donation while being present at any geographical location. Your alumni are not only your prospective donors but are also potential long-term supporters. They need to be dealt with strategically, to be able to make the most out of all the opportunities at hand.
Here are three strategies that you should keep in mind while going about alumni crowdfunding.
Building Relationships
All your fundraising efforts with your alumni should center around building long-term relationships. You need to make a reasonable pitch to them and keep them in the loop. Tell them about all the good work you have done for the institution. Show them how their help would go on to make things better. Articulate a great story to make a lasting impact. Make it as personal as you could.
Social Media Marketing
Make good use of social media to reach out to all the people who have graduated from your school. Use all your networks to get as many connected as you can. Using the various platforms and the different communication channels that social media offers, deliver your messages regularly and keep them updated. Ask the people who are already there to share it to the ones who are out of reach.
Value the fact that all alumni are not the same
Your alumni community is diverse, and understanding this is important for customizing your crowdfunding efforts.
- Recent Graduates: Acknowledge their financial challenges by suggesting micro-donations or subscription-based giving options. Offer incentives like mentorship opportunities for young alumni donors.
- Established Alumni: Focus on legacy-giving opportunities or named scholarships to engage older, more financially stable alumni. Highlight tax benefits and other advantages for higher contributions.
- Data-Driven Campaigns: Use analytics to track alumni engagement and giving behavior. Tools like donor management software can help identify high-potential donors and the best times to engage with them.
Focus on modern crowdfunding tools to streamline your campaign. Platforms like GiveCentral offer features like real-time donation tracking, integrated social sharing, and personalized thank-you notes. These tools enhance user experience and help build donor trust.
Alumni crowdfunding is more than a fundraising strategy; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your alumni and foster a sense of community. By building meaningful relationships, utilizing the power of social media, and addressing the diverse needs of your alumni base, you can create impactful campaigns that yield both immediate and long-term results.
Use the GiveCentral tools and strategies to create a seamless giving experience for your alumni. Together, you can pave the way for your institution’s future.
Get in touch with our team to help you walk through our tools so that you can start your crowdfunding journey today
