Fundraising Needs To Take A More Personalized Approach
Feb 1, 2019 15:35:51 GMT -5
rgs318, sader1970, and 2 more like this
Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2019 15:35:51 GMT -5
I am not sure if anyone else feels this way, however, I get tired of the same call every year regarding a new, "matching challenge". I was part of the President's Council for a few years following graduation, but have moved away due to the lack of personal touch and creativity in connecting with those that actually played.
As we approach 2019, the main emphasis should be on recognizing the 2009 Patriot League Championship Team since it's their 10 year anniversary. If I was in charge of fundraising, here are some things I would incorporate:
1. When calling former players, do a little research and tie in their personal accomplishments into building the future of the program. The ask is a lot easier when you actually spend 5 minutes looking into the former player's background before going into your "fundraising script". I don't care about "Bruttemesso/JD Power/ Matching Challenge.
2. Do a better job connecting with former captains or All-Patriot League Players to receive input about the direction of the program. It seems that the main driver in getting HC's attention is money and if money is the only driver, then respect can simply be bought. If there is more emphasis placed on individual and team legacy, the donation aspect will increase exponentially (they go hand and hand)
3. Do a better job conducting reunions for different football classes. In the past, I always did this on my own, but grew tired of doing the work for the school since it's a huge fundraising opportunity. HC doesn't like to have specified sports reunions because they believe it takes away from their "class reunions". Personally, I could care less about anything outside of football and the athletic department is getting screwed.
4. Create a Holy Cross Football or Multi-sport history/legacy area in the new facilities that serves as a "mini-museum" that includes artifacts, pictures, and insight into HC's storied past.
5. Honor More Former Players Annually: There are a ridiculous amount of All-Americans and record holders from more than 20 years ago that have not been honored by Holy Cross. Larry Doyle has done a wonderful job with the Ring of Honor, however, there has to be other ways to honor these guys and get them more invested into the program.
Fundraising should take a different approach by putting a little time and energy into creating a real sense of legacy for former players. Everybody talks about how Nate Pine was a great fundraiser, however, the calls I get every year (or lack thereof) are an absolute joke.
As we approach 2019, the main emphasis should be on recognizing the 2009 Patriot League Championship Team since it's their 10 year anniversary. If I was in charge of fundraising, here are some things I would incorporate:
1. When calling former players, do a little research and tie in their personal accomplishments into building the future of the program. The ask is a lot easier when you actually spend 5 minutes looking into the former player's background before going into your "fundraising script". I don't care about "Bruttemesso/JD Power/ Matching Challenge.
2. Do a better job connecting with former captains or All-Patriot League Players to receive input about the direction of the program. It seems that the main driver in getting HC's attention is money and if money is the only driver, then respect can simply be bought. If there is more emphasis placed on individual and team legacy, the donation aspect will increase exponentially (they go hand and hand)
3. Do a better job conducting reunions for different football classes. In the past, I always did this on my own, but grew tired of doing the work for the school since it's a huge fundraising opportunity. HC doesn't like to have specified sports reunions because they believe it takes away from their "class reunions". Personally, I could care less about anything outside of football and the athletic department is getting screwed.
4. Create a Holy Cross Football or Multi-sport history/legacy area in the new facilities that serves as a "mini-museum" that includes artifacts, pictures, and insight into HC's storied past.
5. Honor More Former Players Annually: There are a ridiculous amount of All-Americans and record holders from more than 20 years ago that have not been honored by Holy Cross. Larry Doyle has done a wonderful job with the Ring of Honor, however, there has to be other ways to honor these guys and get them more invested into the program.
Fundraising should take a different approach by putting a little time and energy into creating a real sense of legacy for former players. Everybody talks about how Nate Pine was a great fundraiser, however, the calls I get every year (or lack thereof) are an absolute joke.
