We are excited to share the recording of our recent webinar, "Major Gifts Before and After: How One Institution Grew Annual Giving By 74%."
This insightful webinar, led by Jim Bush, President of the Winkler Group, and Blake Rickman, Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS), reveals how UAFS achieved a remarkable transformation in its major giving program, resulting in a 74 percent increase in annual giving during the first year of its comprehensive campaign.
Webinar Highlights
During the first year of its centennial campaign, UAFS not only received the largest single gift in its 100-year history but also saw 23 donors contribute six-figure gifts.
Nearly 3,000 donors made their first gift ever to the university, propelling the campaign to reach 76 percent of its entire goal in just one year. The webinar dives into how this phenomenal success was driven by the university’s robust relationships with key stakeholders and donors and how leaders at UAFS developed and nurtured those relationships.
What You Will Learn
- Navigate External Trends Affecting Fundraising: Gain insights into how economic shifts and global events can impact your major gift program and learn strategies to navigate these challenges.
- Increase Major Gift Capacity: Discover four actionable steps to enhance your major gift capacity and drive significant contributions to your organization.
- Transform Reluctant Leaders: Learn techniques to turn hesitant leaders into fundraising champions who understand and embrace their role in advancement.
- Cultivate Donor Relationships: Explore methods for aligning donor passions with organizational priorities to secure major gifts and boost donor engagement.
Featured Speakers
Jim Bush
Winkler Group
Principal and CEO
A seasoned speaker at over 50 conferences, Jim Bush brings practical insights into campaign planning and execution. Connect with Jim on LinkedIn.
Blake Rickman
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
Vice Chancellor for Advancement, UAFS Foundation
With over a decade of experience in advancement, Blake Rickman shares deep insights into successful fundraising strategies that have led UAFS to unprecedented success.
