This paper evaluates the relationship between alumni solicitation and alumni donation within institutions of higher education. The issue of alumni giving is important for universities because the average cost of university tuition has increased dramatically over the past 20 years at an annual growth rate larger than the United States CPI (Harvard…

Despite readily available alumni survey data warehoused at many alumni associations and foundations across colleges and universities, researchers have underutilized the abundant available data to identify key predictors of alumni donation, including factors that trigger alumni donation behavior. Utilizing the data from a two-year alumni survey…

The case of a Saudi Arabian student admitted to Princeton illustrates practices of using the admissions process as a means of soliciting gifts for the university. Issues of academic standards, special admissions, and confidentiality are discussed. (LBH)

Four things to keep in mind when involved in institutional marketing are identified: make sure the reality of the institution matches the image promoted; keep institutional image simple; tailor external relations program to meet the needs of a diverse constituency; and be persistent and consistent. (MLW)

Using paid phonathon callers, it is argued, will increase dollar and percentage response without hurting college volunteer programs. Arguments in favor of paid callers are summarized: they raise more money, they cost less, and since they are more easily available more alumni can be phoned. (MLW)

Paid phonathon solicitors may raise more money in the short term, but using paid callers, it is suggested, will undermine college volunteer programs. Phonathons are seen as a fund raising technique. Committed involvement is seen as fundamental to fund raising success. (MLW)

In order to increase alumni giving and participation at DePaul University, efforts were focused on the law school alumni. With the success of the lawyers gift club, a club for accountants was organized. The success of the gift clubs is described and the effect on the annual fund is discussed. (MLW)

Ways to establish a senior class gift and pledge program are discussed. Senior gift campaigns solicit an out-right cash gift, collected before graduation. Pledge programs can run anywhere from a 1-year commitment, to a 25-year commitment. (MLW)

Discussion of techniques for college and university fundraising among international alumni looks at targeting prospective donors and their parents, keeping prospects connected to the institution through overseas student and faculty activities and alumni volunteers, communicating the importance of philanthropy, selecting a language to use, and…

Although nearly all the world's cultures value philanthropy, few have a recent history of giving to education. If colleges and universities make the effort to motivate their international constituents today, these alumni, families, and friends can have a significant impact on the institution's future. The first step is for institutions to examine…

Guidelines for planning a fund-raising drive are offered, focusing on things not to do and rationales not to consider. Reasons to avoid include: "our constituency is confused;""to attract major prospects;""to get volunteers;""we are in a crisis situation;""our centennial is coming up;""rivals are having campaigns;" and "it's time." (Author/LBH)

A number of organizations are working with alumni of Black colleges and with Black churches to attract more students to the campuses, raise money for financially strapped institutions (particularly for scholarships) and promote more alumni participation in college affairs. (MSE)

Senior development officers of the 56 member institutions of the Association of American Universities were surveyed to learn about the scope of their prospect research programs. Scope of programs, prospect research approaches, and information resources are discussed. (MLW)

Graphics, survey research, and multivariate statistical techniques were applied at a private liberal arts college to help development professionals better understand and predict alumni giving behavior, on both an aggregate and an individual basis. (Author)

Gallaudet University is beginning a program using computer-assisted telephone fund-raising solicitations of alumni, in a promising use of communications technology. (MSE)