Breakout Sessions C

Day One | Wednesday, November 13, 2024

1C: Data for the Data People: Metrics, KPIs, and OKRs for Advancement Services

As advancement services professionals, we are often called upon to develop, track, and report performance metrics for our colleagues in other areas of our fundraising and alumni relations operation. Yet, despite all our good work, we often don't have the time or energy to measure our own team's success. In this session, we'll explain the differences between metrics, KPIs, and OKRs. We will also review many of the most common measurements for the various areas within an advancement services operation. Isn't it time that you focus on the data that illuminates your achievements?!

Mark Longo is the senior director of strategic initiatives and development administrative management in the office of advancement and alumni relations at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, California. In this role, Mark collaborates with development stakeholders to plan, facilitate, and accomplish strategically identified, cross-functional projects and process improvements. Areas of focus include benchmarking, project management, development administrative management, and board meeting support. Previously, Mark was the deputy director of strategic development services at Georgetown University, and he led the development operations teams at the National Geographic Society and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Mark is a frequent presenter at MOTM, AASP, CASE, Academic Impressions and other industry conferences. Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in economics-finance from Bentley University (where he currently serves as a member of the Global Alumni Board), and a master’s degree in leadership from Georgetown University. Mark has also received a certificate in project management from Caltech and is a certified Prosci® change management practitioner.

2C: How to Use a Program Strategy to Guide Key Technology Investments

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and other key technologies such as CRM, Data Infrastructure, Self-Service Tools, and Advanced Analytic Dashboards in higher education Advancement optimizes fundraising and donor engagement. This case study shows how one university used a Program Strategy and the resulting Key Technology Portfolio and Road Map to guide their decisions , estimate ROI, and plan the implementation of key technologies in preparation for their upcoming fundraising campaign.

The intended audience includes Advancement and IT professionals involved in strategic planning of key technology investments that enable optimal fundraising and donor engagement results.

Joseph Lanasa is the Higher Education Director at Advance Data Strategy (ADS). In this role, he helps higher education organizations leverage their most valuable asset—data. Joseph leads a team of experts to develop tailored solutions that meet each organization’s unique needs. His specialties include:

  • Data Strategy: Conducting gap analyses to create implementation roadmaps and program portfolios for a best-in-class Advancement Ecosystem.

  • Program Portfolio Valuation: Analyzing the ROI of technology and data portfolios using industry standards, and customized to client-specific terminology and business processes providing a business case for strategic planning.

  • Data Platform Design and Implementation: Designing and implementing cloud-based infrastructures, including data hubs, raw and curated zones, MDM, AI, and data conversion.

With over a decade of experience, Joseph has managed some of the largest data and CRM implementation programs in the country.

Ruby Liu

Mike Davis is an accomplished technology leader with over 25 years of experience in IT and data management. Currently serving as the Chief Information Officer at the University of Illinois Foundation, he drives the digital vision and enhances fundraising capabilities through innovative data management programs. Mike holds a BS in Finance from Millikin University and an MS in Information Systems from the University of Illinois at Springfield. His extensive career includes roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Director of Enterprise Applications, and Project Manager. Mike has consistently demonstrated his ability to integrate technology and data-driven insights to support organizational goals, empowering organizations with data-driven insights and technology solutions.

3C: How to Decide: Make Big Decisions Easier

Is now the right time? Which system is best for us? What positions should I hire? Are we ready for a big change? These monumental questions come with huge impact depending on the decision. Considering and affirming a choice can be overwhelming, not to mention garnering the appropriate support across your organization or with your leadership. Your organization's culture plays a role too - can one person make the call, or does everyone get a vote? What happens when you have resistance or dissent? Let's break down decision-making to give you an approach, some tools to outline the problem, options, and gather data that you need to support your decision. At the end, you'll have a structured, repeatable process that you can use for any decision that comes your way!

Kate Nimety (she/her) has been an active member in the nonprofit industry since 2010, and brings over 20 years of systems and process development. She has been a people- and process-focused consultant for over 8 years, and was deeply involved in solution development and change management while in the Development and IT departments at Yale University for over 5 years prior. Kate is deeply engaged with the missions of all of her colleagues and clients in the nonprofit, higher ed, health care, and arts and culture verticals. She has made lasting connections with industry leaders across all sectors, including our other consultants and vendors. Kate has served aasp for 7 years, first as a member of the Best Practices Review Panel (2017-2018), then with the Summit Program Committee (2019-present), and has orchestrated the Elevate pre-conference workshop at Summit for the last 5 years. Kate is a highly-rated speaker at aasp Summit each year, has recorded an aasp Podcast episode recently, and also presents at other industry events such as this year's 2024 CASE DRIVE pre-conference workshop.

4C: Capturing Engagement: How Duke Defined, Stored, and Began Reporting on Data Related to Alumni Engagement

We will present on the multi-year endeavor made at Duke University to systematically capture, store, and report on engagement-related data. We'll discuss the process of identifying key measures, operationalizing the measurement of those variables, and building out a reporting infrastructure to help (a) leadership track our efforts to engage our alumni and (b) frontline fundraisers and engagement officers to prioritize their outreach. The effort involved dozens of staff at various levels of the organization and resulted in the development of a structured database data mart that serves as the primary source for a newly developed suite of dashboards in Tableau.

Ian Conlon is the Sr Director of Advancement Analytics at Duke University Alumni Engagement and Development. Joining the Duke Development team in May 2013, he has over a decade of experience working in higher education fundraising and analysis. A native of Georgia and proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Ian moved to the NC Triangle to attend graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a master’s degree in sociology. Outside of work, Ian enjoys spending time with his two young children, frequenting parks and the local library.

Caitlin Shaw is the senior director of volunteer engagement with Duke Alumni Engagement and Development. She serves as chief volunteer engagement officer and is responsible for developing and executing a best-in-class program that supports Duke's goal of engaging alumni, parents and friends, and inspires them to share their time and talents with the Duke community. Caitlin is also responsible for leading, with the Senior Campaign staff and AED leaders, the development of the plans, policies, and data governance to ensure that these engagement targets are met successfully. Prior to this role, Caitlin worked at the Law School and with the Division of Student Affairs at Duke University. Other prior roles include serving in the Office of Alumni and Development and the Office of Residence Life at Bowling Green State University. Caitlin holds a B.A. in communication studies from Northwestern University, an M.A. in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University, and an M.B.A from Elon University.

5C: The 70th Anniversary of Matching Gifts

In 1954, the General Electric Foundation created a groundbreaking philanthropic concept known even today as the "corporate matching gift program". Corporate support through matching employee charitable gifts continues even these many decades later. Strategies have been developed for how to best capture this revenue though recent changes in both technology and management of corporate philanthropy have kept us on our toes. We will take a dive into some past survey results as well as some new industry tactics for how to maximize your organization's receiving and recognizing matching gifts.

Early in her working life, Amy Phillips became fascinated by information management and how bits and pieces of data are brought together to complete ever larger and more complex puzzles. Now an active fundraising operations professional for more than 26 years, Amy is an active member of the Association of Advancement Services Professionals for which organization she served as a member of the inaugural Board in addition to being both a Founding and Charter member. She served as the initial Membership Chair then went on to continue service with that committee for another 7 years and is currently active with the Program committee for the annual AASP Summit conference and Summer Deep Dive Series. Amy has presented on industry standards and best practices for many professional development organizations in addition to AASP including CASE and ADRP as well as various database solution user communities.

6C: From Data to Donations: How Responsible AI Boosts Nonprofit Fundraising

Did you know that fewer than 50% of Americans donate to charity? Yet, many fundraising programs approach every encounter as a potential donation opportunity. There is no doubt that results are happening when the art and science of fundraising are combined.

 

 

If you are ready to learn how AI can tell you which current donor and prospective constituent are most likely to give within the next year, then get ready to explore how AI can revolutionize your organization’s fundraising approach.

Whether you’re starting your AI journey or seeking to enhance existing strategies, this presentation will provide valuable insight and actionable strategies into making AI a transformative force, amplifying your impact within your vital missions. In this discussion, we will be discussing:

1. Why responsible AI is a necessity to ensure donor trust in fundraising practices.

2. How the use of Data science reveals motivations of first-time and repeat donors.

3. How AI assists in conducting precise and personalized donor engagement.

4. Demonstrated success using predictive AI to enhance fundraising with compelling use-cases.

5. The development of a roadmap for implementing responsible AI fundraising capabilities in your organization.

 

Elisabeth Walker is a proud mother of two, an adjunct professor at Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey, and currently empowers nonprofits by supporting them in raising funds through AI-driven tools with DonorSearch. With over 22 years of experience in business, healthcare, nonprofit, and hospitality industries, she has refined her persona into a results-driven creator, builder, and architect of her community's intrinsic values. Elisabeth believes that effective leadership requires constant evolution and continually seeks ways to serve people, develop processes, and bring their thoughts, goals, and dreams to fruition each day. She welcomes connections and inquiries on topics such as fundraising, women in leadership, parenthood, and life.