Major Gift Development In Higher Education Essay

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Major Gift Development for an Athletic Program in Higher Education

Today, the role of an Athletic Director in higher education is constantly evolving. The challenges of the position become more complex all the time. Higher education is an ultra-competitive business on multiple levels and intercollegiate athletics is often at the forefront of such competition.

In order to successfully improve their brand, institutions must raise the needed revenue to reach university goals. Funds are vital to building facilities, attracting and retaining quality staff, providing scholarships and student support, and strategic reinvestment. Fundraising methods are a unique blend of science and art that challenge any organization.

Ultimately, revenue generating efforts can break down into five main categories: major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, multimedia and ticket sales. Major gift development has to be the primary component of the direction of fundraising efforts for Athletic …show more content…

There are many places that donors can give their hard earned dollars and we cherish those who have decided to invest in the future of your vision and student-athletes. A tremendously important relationship is with the university president. The AD/President relationship is paramount for success at all levels in higher education. Additionally, one must build substantive long lasting relationships built on trust and integrity with state legislative leadership, University boards, and the senior staff/cabinet of the University.

• Set Aggressive Goals – Establishing lofty goals and holding oneself accountable to those goals has been essential in my various experiences. Be bodacious, be aspirational, be courageous. Be fearless. Once a person or the organization becomes fearless, life and fundraising becomes

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