Trying to raise enough funds without the correct training tools is like navigating a complex maze blindfolded—you know that there's a path to growth and success, but finding your way through the maze without bumping into walls is incredibly challenging in the absence of the necessary skills, proper communication, and expert guidance.

Today, we tell the story of Riverview College, which achieved incredible financial returns and expanded its donor database in an extremely short timeframe. This case study serves as an example for other nonprofits of what is attainable with the correct tools and guidance.

The Challenge

Riverview College, an esteemed liberal arts college, has a rich history of academic excellence and a solid commitment to cultivating well-rounded individuals through its rigorous curriculum. Despite a high reputation and rapid growth, the college wasn’t pulling in the fundraising revenue it needed to support itself. The reasons for its stunted revenue were:

• Inadequate Communications: Current donors and potential supporters weren’t hearing from the university. There were no updates on current events or solicitations for support. This caused donors to feel disconnected and lowered their giving rates.
• Inconsistent Messaging: Direct mail messaging was mixed over various channels, causing a disorganized and muddled approach. The lack of organization and disjointed messaging sent varied signals to donors, causing them to be less engaged in the college's mission.
• Few Major Gifts: The development team lacked the skills and strategy for upgrading current small donors to major benefactors. This resulted in very few donors supporting the college through major gifts.

Strategy and Implementation

Riverview College wisely sought the expertise of AmPhil’s fundraising consultants to fortify its financial health and develop its program. The strategic approach of AmPhil's consultants instilled confidence in the college's leadership and set the stage for a successful partnership.

Enhanced Direct Mail Campaigns

As their first step, AmPhil consultants revamped Riverview College's direct mail strategy. They focused on personalizing and polishing letters on the college's impact on current students and its hope for the future. By segmenting their donor database and tailoring messages accordingly, Riverview College and AmPhil consultants saw an incredible increase in donor response rates.

Improved Communication Channels

Building on the success of the newly implemented direct mail program, AmPhil helped Riverview College invest in enhancing and aligning its communication channels. Regular and unified messaging through digital mediums and direct mail ensured that donors heard how their donations had an impact, which helped them feel important and connected to the mission.

Major Gifts Training and Cultivation

Riverview College and AmPhil experts also initiated a comprehensive major gifts training program. Development officers were equipped with advanced prospect research tools and trained to build and retain relationships with donors. This resulted in a more enthusiastic approach to cultivating major givers, leading to larger, more frequent contributions.

Results

With AmPhil’s help, Riverview College’s development department flourished. Their fundraising grew in an overwhelmingly short amount of time, and the results were incredibly astounding:

• Over 10,000% ROI: The remodeled direct mail campaigns and integrated communication channels culminated in a significant return on investment.
• 500% Growth in Major Donor Base: Riverview College's exponential growth in its major donor base in just six months is a testament to the potential for rapid growth in the nonprofit sector. This success story is sure to inspire optimism and confidence in others. 
• 300% Growth in Responsive Donor Base: Riverview College saw a substantial increase in responsive donors who contributed regularly by fostering deeper connections and showcasing the impact of each donor's support.

Conclusion

Riverview College ensured its financial future and strengthened its community of supporters by streamlining its communication, committing to donor-centric engagement, and investing in proper staff training. This inspiring progress from economic uncertainty to incredible growth underscores the importance of strategic fundraising and proper donor engagement for nonprofits.

Could this be your story? Our experts are here to guide and transform your nonprofit's mission. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with one of our senior consultants here.