Annual Fund Strategies

Annual Giving

Annual Giving is reported as the #1 Priority among Catholic High Schools

Covers current year’s operating “Gap” between tuition and actual expense

Average Catholic High School Gap is ~$1,700 per student

Annual Giving

• Annual giving includes all donations that can be used in the current fiscal year, and is typically comprised of:

Annual FundAuctions and other eventsMajor or Special Gifts

The Annual Fund

Should be the Cornerstone of all Annual Fundraising Activities

Average Catholic High School Annual Fund is $396,000 out of $686,000 in total annual revenue

Usually includes unrestricted gifts under $10,000

Keys to Annual Fund Success

Education of the “Gap” and the importance of the Annual Fund in our Mission

Consistency, Repetition and Personalization

Disciplined Execution

Suggested Annual Fund “Pillars”

Direct Marketing Program

Personal Solicitations/Phone Calls

“Parent Partnership” Program

Direct Marketing

Develop an Annual Fund Brand Brochure, letterhead, emails, PowerPoint

Personalized, segmented messages to each constituency group

Recognize past donors vs non donors Ask for increased donation level Explain the impact of the Annual Fund Promote matching gifts

Direct Marketing

At least two mailings to the complete database with a brochure

August/September and November/December

January - June focus mailing to Lybunts and Sybunts

Segmented Letters, postcards, emails Phonathon

Targeted Email campaign in between mailings Parents Alumni Drive constituents to the website

Online Annual Fund donation page

Personal Solicitations

Target ~20 – 30 in total Best prospects are past donors of $500+ Include selected incoming Freshmen Parents Coordinate with other Major Gift activities Can be a first step to a Major Gift or Planned Gift Use Wealth Screening data Involve school President whenever possible Personal phone calls can be effective as well

“Parent Partnership” Program

Invite parents to a series of 25 – 30 minute presentations in the Fall

Goal is to meet with all parents Explain the “Gap” and what the Annual Fund is

used for Ask for their support to cover the “full” cost of an

education Explain what it means to be a parent at your school Reinforce our Mission

Setting Goals

Establish realistic but aggressive Goals: Total gross revenue Limit cost per dollar raised to < $.25 Average parent donor rate is 27% Average alumni donor rate is 12% Board participation should be 100% Average Faculty/Staff donor rate is 44% Measure return from each mailing

Other Considerations

$1,000 Society Member Event “Tuition Assistance” appeal as a separate program within the

Annual Fund Restricted vs Unrestricted donations Automated phone messages prior to direct mail drops Class/Reunion/Decade Representatives and giving programs Parent and Alumni Chairs Education of current students about giving back Recognition