Campaigns

Ways to build capacity, lay a solid foundation for future fundraising, and drive campaign success

Case Study: BWF and Whitman College

The work that Whitman College and BWF have done together over the past five years has been designed to improve efficiencies and effectiveness, strengthen ROI and impact, and move the organization forward and upward. Ensuring that the team has all the tools and resources it needs—and is leveraging them for greater success—has been a years long effort that culminated recently in the launch of the largest campaign in the College’s history.

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Board Roles in Fundraising

While many hands contribute to the success of fundraising, one pivotal group often stands out—the board of directors or similar fiduciaries of the nonprofit. While most do not have a professional fundraising background or even a natural bent toward asking for gifts, all can play key roles which will have a significantly positive influence on supporting the mission and growing impact. This article dives into different ways your board can be your biggest advocates in fundraising.

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Use these strategies to improve your university fundraising campaigns.

University Fundraising: Trends and Tips for Higher Ed Giving

Effective university fundraising requires strategic donor engagement and teamwork. Here are 9 tips to create a stronger fundraising and marketing approach.

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Campaigns and Fundraising Strategy

Effective Volunteer Leaders Can Propel Campaign Success

Selecting and engaging campaign volunteers must be an intentional effort, one requiring strategy, commitment, and an understanding that the long view reaps the best rewards. Here are seven ways to get the right volunteer leaders onboard.

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Should We Still Have Campaigns?

BWF conducted a research project across the philanthropic landscape to gain contemporary views of campaigns. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis, we landed on some overarching themes worthy of consideration.

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The Campaign Communications Countdown, Part 2: Prepare to Launch!

You’ve come a long way in a year as you prepare to launch your campaign. You’ve developed core messages, struck upon a powerful campaign theme, and created a graphic identity. As great as your achievements are, there is still a long way to go to launch. Now is the time to take your great concepts and turn them into products.

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Book Chapter: Strengthening the Operation

Equally important to an organization’s ability to reach increased fundraising goals is operational readiness. After all, even if an organization has an excellent relationship with a potential donor, a misspelled name in the database, a delay in processing a gift, ill-timed outreach, or multiple touchpoints to the same donor can all lead to embarrassing and potentially damaging incidents.

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The Campaign Communications Countdown, Part 1: Getting to the Launch Pad

The communications countdown to a public campaign launch includes numerous critical steps that every organization must take to be successful. There is a tried-and-true approach, and there really aren’t shortcuts or workarounds that don’t come with some compromise or risk. Like the aerospace designers, engineers, and astronauts who are making plans to go into space, the initial steps are essential in ultimately achieving a successful liftoff and splashdown.

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South Dakota State University (SDSU) Bold and Blue campaign

BWF & South Dakota State University Foundation Case Study

This partnership with BWF helped SDSU become more data driven, have clearer insights into its operations, have the ability to make strategic decisions and make them faster, and have a better way to validate its strategy, thereby saving both time and resources.

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