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Setting students on a journey to serve others, their communities, and the globe is a fundamental aspect of many colleges and universities’ core missions. Consequently, numerous institutions engage in student-led fundraising initiatives, which play a crucial role in instilling a culture of philanthropy among their student bodies. This proactive approach not only benefits current projects but can also lead to generosity from future alumni.
But what constitutes a successful student-led fundraising campaign, and how can institutions effectively launch one?
Energize
The mission of Pennsylvania State University’s THON, the world’s largest student-led philanthropy, is to “enhance the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer.” Since its establishment in the 1970s, THON has remarkably raised $204 million.
Logan Echard, director of analytics and strategy for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, emphasizes the importance of aligning campus missions with student values. “Finding a cause that resonates with students can energize the entire community,” he noted.
While THON showcases extraordinary success, other institutions can also focus on addressing internal needs. The “students helping students” mantra resonates well, as seen in the University of Texas at Austin’s ContribUTe 2020 campaign. This initiative received a Gold-level Circle of Excellence award for its contributions to the university’s Counseling and Mental Health Center, Student Emergency Services, and the UT Outpost Food Pantry.
“These student-led initiatives highlight programs that raise awareness and funds to advance their missions and support the institution,” remarked Robert Henry, vice president of people, culture, and talent for CASE.
Educate
Education is a cornerstone of effective fundraising, particularly for initiatives driven by students. Development teams can provide essential knowledge and strategies, ensuring students understand the significance of their contributions and the impact they can make.
Brittany Papke, associate director of special programs at UT Austin, emphasizes that “education is paramount in student fundraising, helping them realize their gift holds meaningful power.” Awarenes that universities are non-profit entities can significantly change how students perceive and engage with fundraising efforts.
The institution promotes understanding through initiatives like The Student Foundation, which offers hands-on experiences to educate students about philanthropy, including volunteer opportunities and educational panels. As students embark on fundraising journeys, it’s essential to share best practices, the importance of storytelling, and compelling language to secure contributions. Building resilience and a willingness to learn from setbacks is equally vital.
“Students must learn from their experiences and use that knowledge to inform future decisions,” advised Echard.
Empower
Empowerment emerges as a crucial factor for the success of student-led fundraising efforts, as highlighted by THON leaders.
According to Echard, “Empowering students to make decisions and learn from experiences is essential.” Ownership in their initiatives enables students to authentically advocate for their causes, generating enthusiasm and commitment.
UT Austin’s ContribUTe campaign serves as an excellent example of student empowerment. Their ambassador toolkit includes:
- Actionable items for students, like promoting their ambassador link on social media
- Effective communication strategies for fundraising discussions
- Impactful statistics to motivate donations
- A dashboard to track fundraising progress effectively
These resources provide guidance for productive conversations about the cause, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in their fundraising efforts. Digital tools, in particular, resonate with students, mirroring popular apps they frequently use, thereby making fundraising management accessible and engaging.
Remember
While THON attributes part of its success to fundraising platforms, it’s essential to recognize that starting small is perfectly acceptable for many colleges and universities.
Echard reminds us, “THON didn’t become the largest student-run philanthropy overnight. It took many years of strategic planning and growth to reach its current level.”
If you have insights regarding student-led fundraising or wish to share the success stories from your institution, we invite you to comment below!
Source
www.higheredjobs.com