BWF & George Washington University Case Study
This partnership helped GWU evolve with the market, the changing needs of the donor base, and the complexity of their annual giving programs. The past three years of collaboration between GW and BWF have yielded exciting results.
GW Reverses Donor Decline with Video-First Donor Engagement Center
Like many universities, GW was facing donor decline and diminishing returns on traditional tactics. Instead of doubling down, they partnered with BWF to rebuild—from the ground up. The result? A reimagined Donor Engagement Center, digital-first outreach, and sustained year-over-year donor growth.
The Impetus for a New Way Forward
Flashback to fall 2019, just a few months before the global pandemic. That’s when George Washington University joined a growing number of academic institutions and closed their student calling center. Then, in 2022, GW experienced a nearly full turnover of the annual giving team. The new annual giving leadership made one thing clear—student-donor engagement would be a crucial element to their work going forward.
“We wanted a modern strategy to meet today’s donors where they spend their time,” said Director of Participation and Direct Response Alan Ham. “That meant a more robust presence online, with compelling content that connects with alumni and supporters.”
