School Advancement Institute Files-Rethinking Participation Rates

Rethinking Participation Rates

Pdf Summary

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) report for 2022 focuses on rethinking participation rates and suggests a new approach to measure, benchmark, and predict alumni and parent involvement in educational philanthropy. Ann Snyder, Senior Director of Communities Engagement at CASE, delivers insights into both indicative and predictive data and its implications for advancement professionals.<br /><br />The report highlights several key points:<br /><br />1. **Participation Rates**: Historically used metrics such as participation rates among alumni and parents are deemed insufficient for predicting future engagement and fundraising success. The emphasis shifts to understanding broader engagement metrics and using predictive data to assess potential impacts.<br /><br />2. **Top-Heavy Fundraising**: A significant amount of funds (over 74%) comes from a small percentage (2.3%) of donors, signaling a reliance on major donors and indicating risk in donor dependence.<br /><br />3. **Predictive Data Utilization**: The recommended shift is towards using predictive data points instead of indicative ones. Predictive data, including metrics like percent-to-goal and new funds committed, provide better insight into the sustainability and potential growth in philanthropy.<br /><br />4. **Improved Measurement and Practices**: Schools are urged to develop better metrics for benchmarking that reflect the health of their advancement programs. Suggested indicators include new donor acquisition, donor retention, and the percentage of funds raised by mid-year.<br /><br />5. **Benchmarking and Community Engagement**: It is advised to redefine benchmarking practices not just based on geographical or local competitors but on more relevant peers considering factors like size, endowment, and alumni body.<br /><br />6. **Lessons from Market Trends**: Observing the market trends, CASE notes that while there was a decline in fundraising consistency in 2023, prospects for future improvements remain through strategic adjustments.<br /><br />Overall, CASE advises using a comprehensive and strategic approach to data analytics for more informed decision-making in educational advancement roles, encouraging organizations to incorporate innovative practices for sustained success.

Keywords

CASE report 2022

participation rates

alumni involvement

predictive data

top-heavy fundraising

donor dependence

benchmarking practices

community engagement

philanthropy metrics

advancement strategies