August 11, 2008 | Read Time: 1 minute
The University of Chicago announced the completion of its $2-billion-plus campaign Monday, and its vice president for development is crediting the university’s peer-to-peer programs with boosting both student and young alumni giving during the campaign.
“The Chicago Initiative” raised $2.38-billion in nine years. During that time, the percentage of fourth-year students who made gifts rose from below 50 percent at the beginning to the campaign to 77 percent this year. The number of young alumni who donated also went up.
Graduating students this year were asked to donate $20.08 each, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Several years ago, the university made significant investments in staff to support the volunteer fund-raising efforts by students and alumni, said Ronald J. Schiller, vice president of development and alumni relations. The additional staff were available to answer questions, provide up-to-date contact information, and help however needed.
Trustees also helped increase student giving by “adopting” senior classes and meeting with students and setting giving challenges for them. This year’s class was adopted by James Crown, chairman of the board of trustees.
Mr. Schiller says the peer-to-peer fund-raising model built momentum for giving to the university that he expects will continue even after the campaign ends. “It’s the peer-to-peer structure that will be sustainable and build on itself over time,” he said.
How does your organization provide support for volunteer fund-raisers? And do you find that peer fund raisers are better at encouraging young adults to give?
