Connecting with Your ‘Ohana: How to Mobilize Your Community on Your Giving Day-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, hosted by BOOST My School and Seabury Hall, focused on strategies for mobilizing school communities during Giving Days, particularly for small teams. Presenters Lily Shaw, Holman Gao, and Beanie Christensen shared insights from Seabury Hall's successful campaign, which raised $97,000—162% above their $60,000 goal—with strong alumni engagement and student participation.<br /><br />Key strategies emphasized included peer-to-peer outreach, leveraging existing community groups (alumni, parents, students), and making giving easy and fun through gamification and challenges. The involvement of students, especially the National Junior Honor Society, was highlighted as vital. They co-led the campaign, initiated challenges (e.g., no-collar dress days), and increased excitement via assemblies and sign waving.<br /><br />Text-to-donate campaigns and connecting Giving Days with alumni reunions boosted participation. Post-event celebrations like a color run fostered community and reinforced a culture of philanthropy. Faculty and staff were also engaged through incentives and active support.<br /><br />Tips for schools without an extensive alumni base included involving young alumni, past parents, and creating ongoing traditions to build a philanthropic culture. The webinar concluded with a Q&A and suggestions for incorporating student volunteers and alumni networking to sustain engagement year-round. Overall, success relies on collaboration, clear goals, tailored incentives, and connecting emotionally with the community.

Keywords

Giving Days

school fundraising

alumni engagement

student participation

peer-to-peer outreach

gamification

text-to-donate

philanthropic culture

community mobilization