CASE Presents: What schools can teach us about impactful fundraising and alumni engagement-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video features presentations from Eglon College and the International School of Brussels (ISB) on small-team fundraising, stewardship, and alumni engagement strategies.<br /><br />Eglon College, with a compact team, emphasizes deep personal connections with its community of around 6,000 alumni and 15,000 total constituents. Their approach focuses on no-strings-attached contact, impact storytelling—especially around their transformative scholarship program—and valuing time, talent, and treasure equally to engage donors. They actively train future philanthropists via a student committee and nurture young alumni relationships early, resulting in significant donations, including a six-figure gift from an alumni parent. Stewardship is central, using visibility on campus and authentic stories from scholars to build trust. Their scholar book showcasing impact stories led to a $2 million gift.<br /><br />ISB highlighted their large-scale alumni event, Summerfest, which reconnected generations and fostered community without fundraising pressure. Successful communication and inclusive activities led to over 250 attendees. Following the event, ISB launched a new alumni newsletter, mentorship programs, and revitalized fundraising efforts. Their year-round alumni engagement includes global reunions, staff outreach, and active social media use.<br /><br />Both schools stress relational stewardship, strategic event planning, and leveraging authentic storytelling as foundational to successful donor engagement and community building in educational contexts.

Keywords

small-team fundraising

alumni engagement

stewardship strategies

Eglon College

International School of Brussels

impact storytelling

scholarship program

Summerfest event

donor relationship management