This program is for advancement leaders who want to increase the capacity and effectiveness of their principal gifts program. Whether you already have a principal gifts program in place or would like to build one out from scratch, this program will be beneficial to shops who want to improve their partnerships with academic units and advance institutional priorities.

May 25, 2023

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

Defining the Challenges

From a strategy standpoint, there are few, if any, downsides to having a principal gifts program. However, ensuring that your principal gifts program is tied to presidential and academic priorities can still come with unique challenges. To establish a program or scale the one you currently have in place, the first step toward building an exceptional program at your institution is to define the challenge in front of you. Learn the common challenges to building a healthy principal gifts program and take the opportunity to share the unique challenges you’re facing at your own institution among peers.

Building Out a Principal Gifts Program and Who to Involve

High-level relationships require high-level management, so only the most experienced fundraisers should be involved in the stewardship and cultivation of your top donors and prospects. Your prospect data and donor profiles must be accurate and up to date, leaving no question as to your next step with a prospect. To build out your program, knowing the type of model you want is essential, while understanding the stakeholders involved internally, and their specific roles, will lead you toward success. Learn the stages of what a high-performing principal gifts program entails, and explore where you should focus your efforts in order to elevate the quality and capacity of your team.

Developing Trust with Academic Leaders

Developing a working partnership with academic counterparts requires trust, which takes time, evidence, and continuity in the relationship. Whether for capital projects, scholarships, or research, it’s important to make sure priorities stay aligned with presidential priorities as you work to cultivate the “big ideas” to raise principal gifts. This requires clear and consistent communication, as well as the confidence to steer ideas in the right direction. Learn how to develop strong working relationships with your academic counterparts to help raise the profile and capacity of your principal gifts team. Learn how to develop strong working relationships with your academic counterparts to help raise the profile of your principal gifts team.