Development

What is the program’s mission statement or statement of purpose? Why does the program exist?

University Advancement builds and enhances relationships with alumni and friends, creates awareness of university accomplishments and raises funds to support excellence at Eastern Illinois University.

The Office of University is responsible for facilitating charitable gifts to Eastern Illinois University and builds and enhances relationships with Eastern alumni, university friends and community members.

The Office of University Development places significant concentration on identifying, cultivating and soliciting major and planned gifts: participating in alumni and donor activities for purposes of relationship building, cultivation and stewardship; drafting proposals and meeting with individuals and corporate donors for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship purposes.

The Office of University Development spearheads University-approved capital campaigns working closely with University administration, campus Development Directors and the EIU Foundation.

How does the program mission align with the university mission?

Within the Eastern Illinois University Strategic Plan (a rededication to our mission, a reaffirmation of who we are, and a reflection on our accomplishments. This plan embodies the deep passion and appreciation that students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends have for Eastern Illinois University, and it expresses our expectation of excellence in all we do), one of the core goals is Financial Sustainability: University resources will be allocated based on strategic priorities established within a structure of shared governance. Stable enrollments, sound business practices and increased philanthropy from alumni and other friends of the university will help ensure financial sustainability.  Specifically, the Office of Development strives to increase gifts and endowments, and strategically target the effective use of these funds. The aim is to ease students' financial burden, while also helping EIU recruit the most promising students.

Whom does the program serve?

The Office of University Development secures private support through gifts and grants restricted in use for students, faculty, programs, and equipment which enhance the quality education provided at EIU.

One of the goals of the Office of University Development is to create new scholarships. The aim is to ease students' financial burden, while also helping EIU recruit the most promising students.

What are the services provided? How do these services align with the university mission and program mission?

 To encourage and provide private support to Eastern Illinois University and to promote the ideals of volunteerism and philanthropy among alumni, friends, and employees of the University;

To assist and support Eastern Illinois University's educational and cultural mission through encouraging philanthropic gifts of cash, property and other materials of educational and artistic value;

To enhance the educational activities of Eastern Illinois University students and employees by participating in and supporting academic and artistic programming through scholarships and grants.

Describe the program’s origins (e.g. year established, purpose, expectations).

Established in 1953 by H Ogden Brainard, the EIU Foundation exists to assist and support Eastern Illinois University's educational mission (EIU established 1895).   The Office of University Development exists to encourage and provide private support to Eastern Illinois University, including the region which the University serves, and to promote the ideals of volunteerism and philanthropy among alumni, friends, and employees of the University;

To assist and support Eastern Illinois University's educational and cultural mission through encouraging philanthropic gifts of cash, property and other materials of educational and artistic value;

To enhance the educational activities of Eastern Illinois University students and employees by participating in and supporting academic and artistic programming through scholarships and grants.

How has the unit changed or adapted over time?

We certainly expected greatness from our alumni, friends, faculty and staff when we set an ambitious $50 million fundraising goal for Eastern Illinois University's "EI&U: Expect Greatness" campaign.

We were most impressed by the extraordinary way in which donor's rose to the challenge. Not only did we meet the goal earlier than anticipated, we exceeded it by 27%, contributing an amazing $63,696,747.

More important than meeting a deadline or a goal amount, is the fact that hard work and generosity will have a lasting impact on the future of EIU. More than 43,000 individual gifts -- some from loyal donors, and some from individuals who gave to EIU for the first time -- worked together to make the campaign a success.

One of the most exciting outcomes of the campaign was that we were able to reconnect with numerous alumni we'd lost touch with through the years. Each relationship renewed is important to us as we get reacquainted with EIU alumni who are making their mark on the world in a variety of meaningful ways.

Through contributions of time, effort and resources, people from every facet of the university played a role in the campaign's success. This relentless dedication to Eastern Illinois University speaks volumes to how important EIU is as an educational institution and a cultural beacon. We can be proud of the fact that donor's generosity will help it remain so for years to come.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the program’s history and relevance to university mission.

Planned gifts provide creative and flexible strategies for donor's through their estate plan and charitable planning.  The greatest benefit, however, lies in the donor knowing they are supporting work at Eastern Illinois University that is important to them and helpful to others.

Whatever inspires donors, whatever drives donors – they can make a difference by supporting the Eastern Illinois University Foundation with a bequest directed at any purpose, program, school or college. By including the EIU Foundation in a donor's estate plans, they will help to promote new ideas and create the next generation of leaders, thinkers and doers, benefiting our way of life here in the Midwest and beyond.

Planned gifts documented by our most dedicated donors are secured and regognized as present gifts, but are not realized until the donor(s) have passed away.  Regardless, these are often the largest and most significant contributions which not only sustain scholarships and programs, but make a difference and change peoples lives.

Provide data, if available, on the numbers of students, faculty, staff, or others served by the program during the past four years. If no data are available, please estimate the numbers served annually.

In terms of scholarships directly to students, here is the data for FY'13:

Total scholarships with available spending = 495

Totals scholarship available spending = $1,092,887

Total students receiving scholarship = 775

Does the program offer any co-curricular opportunities for students (e.g., internships, RSO support, service-learning activities)? Please describe.

The Office of University Development offers paid employment to up to (3) student workers.  We provide =/- $4,000 in student employment opportunities annually.

Does the program contribute to the delivery of academic programs (e.g., providing professional expertise, serving as adjunct faculty)? Please describe.

Several members of Office of University Development staff:

1.service as adjunct faculty;

2.are enrolled in a master's program;

3.teach/present to academic classes upon request.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the internal demand for the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., curriculum changes made by another program) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

Is the program accredited or approved by a recognized external agency or otherwise certified to meet established professional standards? Provide an executive summary of and link to the program’s most recent accreditation or certification report, if available.

The overall Advancement area has membership in its professional organization, CASE or Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.  EIU has received several awards from CASE as being recognized as leaders in the industry.

Is the program required to meet any regulatory or legal requirements? Is the program subject to any special auditing requirements?

Adherance to the IRS guidelines as well as the CASE reporting standards are understood and practiced.

What are the most important outreach or public service activities supported by the program?

The Service component to the Office of University Development is a strong one.  Outreach locally, regionally, and nationally is a regular and common occurrance.  Specifically, Homecoming, Annual Foundation Meeting, Legacy Celebration, and receptions around the country are planned and purposeful in achieving our mission.

How do the local community and the region benefit from the program?

Raising private monies through gifts and grants enhance the best programs, attract the best students, to come to EIU for their education, provide service to the campus and to the community while enrolled, go out into the world to make it a better place to live and grow.

If needed, provide supplemental comments or data sources to help the reader understand the external demand for the program.

What are the two or three more important measureable outcomes tracked to assess program quality? Does the program conduct an outcomes assessment, and if so, what has been the impact?

The Office of University Development is likely the single most measureable unit on campus.  As a revenue-producing area, the importance of securing private support to sustain and enhance the learning environment is essential. 

To quantatatively substantiate these claims, private support to the University has had three consecutive record-breaking years of fundraising for total contributions received.  This is a nealy 300% growth from previous records.  On average, private support brings +/- $11.3M in revenue into the University annually.

What are the two or three most effective best practices that the program has implemented? What benefits have been gained from implementing these best practices?

Working with the VPUA we established set standards for expected alumni/donor personal visits per month, expected major gift solicitations per month. We also, track and document initial visits, stewardship efforts, and solicitation follow ups. Results are: Campaign over goal, Legacy gifts over goal, Three consecutive record breaking years in gifts and pledges received, total gift and pledge average over the past four years have nearly tripled over the previous decade.

Constant benchmarking of our fundraising program is an on-going process.  We use undergraduate and graduate liberal arts schools of similar size enrollment and alumni of record to which we compare specific areas such as 1) total dollars raised, 2) endowment size, 3) alumni/donor participation in giving.

Other best practicies include subscribing to the Donor Code of Ethics, the CASE reporting standards, and the NACUBO college endowments.

In terms of benefits, EIU has gained from having the reputation as an honest, clean, respectful, reputable and  transparent program which alumni and donors can trust that their gifts are being honored.

What external recognitions (e.g., awards, accommodations, professional certifications, references in trade publications) have the program and its staff received in the past three years?

Pride of CASE V Circle of Excellence Award:  GOLD award for Best Program in Case Statements / Cultivation Publication for the EI+U Expect Greatness Campaign brochure

Philanthropic Planning Practical Planned Giving Conference Award:  Wills Kit/Guide

 Pride of CASE V Circle of Excellence Award: BRONZE award for Best Video Feature:  Once a Panther, Always a Panther

Is the program active with any regional, national, or international professional organizations?

CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education)

AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals)

Note any presentations, publications, or offices held in the last three years.

If needed, provide supplemental comments or data sources to help the reader understand the quality of program outcomes.

Note any special benefits (e.g., personnel support, equipment, permanent improvements) that the program has received in the past three years from its grants and other sponsored programs.

None, we exist to provide support for others.

How does the program benefit from donor gifts (e.g., scholarships, endowed chairs)? Does donor support provide a significant percentage of the program’s overall funding?

Only minimal support has been raised for unrestricted/undesignated.  These types of funds are placed at the President's direction. We raise money for equipment, programs, students, and faculty. W we do not raise dollars to support our own unit.

List two or three key relationships that the program maintains with external constituencies (e.g., community colleges, other universities, government bodies). How do these relationships advance the university mission or otherwise benefit the university?

The Office of University Development most closely relates to with the EIU Foundation, the University-related organization which exists to support the University.  Additionally, there are key relationships with corporate/family/private foundations and grant agencies that provide funding upon request. 

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the resources generated by the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., revenue pass-throughs) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

The Office of University Development actively seeks private support to pass through the EIU Foundation and into the accounts of students and academic units to sustain and enhance the quality education offered.  Last year, private support totaling $15.8M was generated by the generosity of alumni and friends and the hard work of the directors of development.  These dollars are restricted by the donor and are desigated to numerous areas all over the University.

Provide an executive summary of and link to any metrics or benchmarks that the program tracks to measure productivity.

Constant benchmarking of our fundraising program is an on-going process.  We use undergraduate and graduate liberal arts schools of similar size enrollment and alumni of record to which we compare specific areas such as 1) total dollars raised, 2) endowment size, 3) alumni/donor participation in giving. 

What initiatives has the program implemented to enhance staff productivity (e.g., access to training, workflow improvements)? Briefly describe the costs and benefits of these initiatives.

Encouragement and Enrollment at one Professional Development training annually.  Regular webinars and service learning opportunies are sponsored and encouraged.  Continuing education is supported. 

In terms of productivity, staff in the Office of University Development have the highest measurable outcomes and are evaluated monthly based on the achievement of these numbers.

On-going efforts to improve the use of technology for efficiencies is standard operating procedure.  Currently, a committee has been charged to recommend continuous quality improvements to our scholarship administration processes and procedures.  These recommendations will likely include technology upgrades and implementation of workflow processes.  The savings in cost from time alone will be monumental.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the productivity of the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., accreditation requirements, curricular changes, program restructuring) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

Quantitative results-oriented and  driven are all descriptors for the Office of University Development.  Goals and expectations are set high, and strive-to-achieve methodology is incorporated into everything we do.  Ultimately, the bottom line of funds raised is such a widely-publicized number that we always rise to the occasion to exceed the prior year's goal and to continuously improve the quality of service we provide to our donors and to our constituents.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the costs associated with the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., expenditures made centrally or externally, expenditures made on behalf of other units) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

Often, fundraising success is measured in 1) cost per dollar raised, or 2) return on investment (ROI). 

Using the entire appropriated budget to ORG 155000, ROI = 3:1 (cash receipts) and 15:1 (total raised).

How does the program seek to distinguish itself from similar programs at other institutions?

All major and planned gift fundraising is coordinated through the Office of Development.  EIU operates on a centralized model.  Thus, the VP of University Advancement is responsible for the oversight of all private revenue generation through gifts and grants.  Other institutions of higher education work under a decentralized model and/or use their Foundation for their fundraising operation.  Due to the success of the most recent campaign, it proves true that the EIU model is efficient and effective in raising funds.

Note any unique and/or essential contributions that the program makes to the university.

Private support provides EIU with the ability to distinguish itself by enhancing already quality educational opportunities.  Through the additional resources generated by fundraising, affordability and sustainability are directly impacted.

Provide any program-specific metrics that help to document program contributions or program quality. Examples of some commonly used program-specific metrics may be found here.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the program impact on the university mission.

Through contributions of time, effort and resources, people from every facet of the university played a role in the fundraising success. This relentless dedication to Eastern Illinois University speaks volumes to how important EIU is as an educational institution and a cultural beacon. All can be proud of the fact that this generosity will help EIU remain strong for years to come.

Provide a link to or listing of the program’s goals and/or strategic plan.

http://www.eiu.edu/develop/

What role will the program have in the implementation of the university’s strategic plan (provide link to strategic plan)?

Within the Eastern Illinois University Strategic Plan (a rededication to our mission, a reaffirmation of who we are, and a reflection on our accomplishments. This plan embodies the deep passion and appreciation that students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends have for Eastern Illinois University, and it expresses our joint expectation of excellence in all we do), one of the core goals is Financial Sustainability: University resources will be allocated based on strategic priorities established within a structure of shared governance. Stable enrollments, sound business practices and increased philanthropy from alumni and other friends of the university will help ensure financial sustainability.  Specificially, goals within the Strategic Plan directly related to University Development:Increase gifts and endowments, and strategically target the effective use of these funds. The aim is to ease students' financial burden, while also helping EIU recruit the most promising students.

In the next two or three years, what best practices, improvements in operations, or other opportunities to advance the university’s mission are likely to be implemented?

Currently, the University is in non-campaign mode and are currently focused on a scholarship drive.  This will transisition into camapign mode again when the University is positioned.  All dollars raised during this timeframe will be considered "silent phase" of the pending capital campaign.  Launch date TBD.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand future opportunities for the program.

With over 100,000 alumni of Eastern Illinois University, the prospect pool from which fundraising primarily takes place is essentially endless in possibilities.  Alumni, friends, and donors to EIU will continue to seek ways to support their alma mater through philanthropy.  The Office of University Development needs to be ready to faciliate this generosity.