Wisconsin Alumni Association Archives

21 Mar 2017

Stephen Mally campaign, Fundraising, philanthropy, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin Foundation, UW Foundation, Wisconsin Alumni Association

University of Wisconsin strong at stating its case for support

The University of Wisconsin has always run very big fundraising campaigns and is strong at stating its case for support. The University of Wisconsin Foundation and the Wisconsin Alumni Association have had great success at mobilising their alumni base to support the university. They do this by telling very good stories.

In the Winter 2016 issue of On Wisconsin, Jenny Price ’96 wrote an article called “A Long To-Do List” where “Chancellor Rebecca Blank says it is critical for the next (state) budget to include funding to complete needed repairs and upkeep on buildings across campus”.

The article tells the story of a building boom that happened across most American universities after World War II. It states that 40 percent of the UW campus buildings were constructed in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Those structures, because of the speed in which they were constructed, have not lasted as long as buildings built in other periods.

Simply put, the University of Wisconsin has a backlog of maintenance that has to be done. The price tag amounts to $1.2 billion (yes, billion). The Wisconsin state government has apparently not invested in the repairs over the years and has cut back in may other areas, including academics.

Another article titled Conversation Michael Knetter is an interview with the former dean of the Wisconsin School of Business and now CEO of the UW Foundation. Knetter addresses the concerns alumni have about the UWs relationship with the state legislature. The university is in the public phase of a $3.2 billion (yes, billion) capital campaign. These funds are to be raised by 2020 and the UW Foundation is halfway to this goal. This article ties in nicely with Price’s article and I am sure this is no accident.

Both articles really concerned me because they highlight the fact that the Wisconsin state legislature is not supporting higher education in the way the government has in the past. Additionally, the articles highlighted the fact that philanthropy is even more critical for the University of Wisconsin today than it has been in the past. The articles motivated me and, at the same time, left me with a feeling of great nervousness for the University of Wisconsin. In the end, that’s the real purpose of a case for support.

25 Oct 2016

Stephen Mally appreciation, Donor care, Non-profit, Non-Profit organisation, Paula Bonner, Stewardship, University of Wisconsin, WAA, Wisconsin Alumni Association

Wisconsin Alumni Association offers a great donor care example

I recently gave a donation to the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA), which is the alumni association for my alma mater – the University of Wisconsin. The gift is a small token of my appreciation for the way the university set me up for success in life. It is also my way to recognise the terrific work the WAA does to mobilise its alumni base and to keep us engaged with the University of Wisconsin.

WAA could have sent me a form letter to thank me for my contribution. Instead, I received a very personalised thank you letter with a hand- written note from the CEO of the WAA, Paula Bonner. The note invites me to come back to campus next summer when the WAA Alumni Park is finished. The WAA and Paula Bonner know how to continue to engage its base of active Alumni who “bleed Wisconsin red”.

Whether you work for a university or a non-profit charitable organisation, each of us can learn from this type of donor care or stewardship. It might seem simple and, even, basic. But, personal outreach holds high value for your constituencies.

27 Nov 2015

Stephen Mally Charities, Charity, Donor care, Donor stewardship, Nonprofit, Stewardship, Thanksgiving, University of Queensland, Wisconsin Alumni Association

Happy Thanksgiving, USA

It’s Thanksgiving in the USA and, by now, many will have enjoyed a meal surrounded by family and friends. I woke up this morning to several Thanksgiving greetings from nonprofit organisations including the following from Share Our Strength, Boston Children’s Hospital, The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and SpeakEasy Stage Company:

Earlier this year I wrote about one of my favourite donor care messages from University of Queensland.

Messages such as these, and the one I received early week from the Wisconsin Alumni Association, are wonderful ways to show the love for your donors. These stewardship pieces are cost effective to produce and very fruitful in sharing the joy. These pieces are also great motivators for people to continue their support by making an immediate gift at calendar year end.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, worldwide! And, to the charities taking the time to send these messages of gratitude out – thank you! You not only made this donor feel good, but you also added variety to my in box this morning, which is full of “black Friday” sales offers from retailers. Kudos.