Annual giving is the primary means by which the Foundation raises flexible dollars for the University’s schools, colleges and the University as a whole. Typically, an annual fund gift is any gift
- that is not designated for a specific program or project,
- that can be renewed the following year.
The Foundation’s annual giving program includes online and direct mail solicitations and our on-site Telefund, staffed with UW-Madison student callers.
To find these gifts, we contact alumni, parents, donors and friends
- in the manner each prefers,
- for the unit or program they are most likely to or already support.
A donor’s previous giving determines how much we ask for in subsequent solicitations.
Each year, we also highlight several special projects in our solicitation schedule. They are considered highest priority by our campus partners and replace the normal solicitation for those involved. The projects are chosen after careful consideration and consultation with deans, department chairs and program directors.
Your development directors receive monthly reports of how much has been raised through the annual fund program.
The four goals of annual giving
- To educate and cultivate alumni
- To raise flexible dollars for the University
- To identify major gift prospects
- To build trust-based relationships
Solicit: To ask (a person or group) for a contribution of money, resources, a service or opinion.
American Fundraising Professionals Fundraising Dictionary
Unrestricted gift: A gift made without conditions or designations. Unrestricted gifts provide flexible funding for the University and its schools and colleges.
