Donors do not give to the Foundation, they give to the University.
The Foundation believes that good relationships lead to gifts for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Focused priorities also are key to successful development.
Each step of the process is critical. University administrators, faculty and staff are vital partners in the development team that nurtures good partnerships with donors, beginning with identifying potential givers.
What is development?
I don’t have a PhD. I don’t teach a class. I’m good at knowing people at the University who do. I develop relationships between the University and people who want to give to the University.
Chris Richards, vice president of development
Development is the process of encouraging gifts. It is a deliberate, thoughtful, intimate process that includes:
- understanding campus priorities
- carefully identifying prospects
- matchmaking between donors and University ideas
- building relationships through understanding donors’ interests, providing information and
- inviting them to become involved in the University
- spending weeks, months and often years securing major gifts
- saying thank you in a variety of ways – from thank you letters and events to gift impact reports – to nurture long-term, positive relationships with donors
Development or Fundraising?
- Development encourages gifts.
- Fundraising looks for contributions.
- Development directors build relationships with people who care about the University and will support it.
- Fundraisers raise money.
- A gift is a tangible symbol of feelings between people.
- A donation is a tangible symbol of support to a cause.