Key Considerations

  • Purpose: Is the event meant to thank donors, celebrate impact, provide updates, or deepen engagement?
  • Audience: Who is being recognized? (donors to a specific fund, leadership-level donors, scholarship supporters, etc.)
  • Tone: Should the event feel warm and celebratory, formal and prestigious, or personal and reflective?
  • Partnerships: Are colleges, units, scholarship recipients or student leaders involved?
  • Location: On-campus, regional, or virtual? Is the setting meaningful or symbolic to the donor experience?
  • Budget: Ensure the event reflects the importance of donor contributions while remaining fiscally responsible.
  • Experience: Every interaction should make donors feel appreciated, connected, and confident in their impact.
    • Donors love to meet students. Can donors meet the students their gift(s) support?
  • Leadership: Identify the right university voices to speak on behalf of the institution (e.g., President, Provost, Deans, scholarship recipients). 
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