Too many organizations believe that transformational philanthropy is out of reach or only for the benefit larger organizations. But not all organizations should define transformational philanthropy in the same way. The best organizations, regardless of size, understand the core of what they want to change in Society and attract a philanthropic following which can help make that change happen. For many of these organizations, this philanthropic following includes people who have or could make transformational commitments. For many other organizations, this can feel out of reach or unattainable. This interactive session will review "best practices" and "common practices" which any sized organization can employ to build capacity for attracting a big gift commitment. The kind of commitment which can accelerate or transform your organization's ability to deliver change in society.

Learning Objectives

• How 'transformational' giving can work for both large and small shops
• Steps you can take to develop capacity for large gift commitments
• Core elements of a successful 'transformational giving' culture

Everywhere we look, indicators of progress, badges, and more drive us to take action. That’s the expectation and now it’s a matter of incorporating it into your engagement and giving strategies. See how McMaster University and others have applied gamification to increase engagement and giving of alumni and supporters. Hear results of a national alumni communications survey and how these apply to deepen relationships with your graduates. You’ll leave this session with new ideas about engagement, ways to adjust annual giving campaigns, and how to connect with less engaged constituents by gamifying their experience!

Learning Objectives

• To inform attendees about opportunities around gamification to help reach new constituents and to build deeper relationships.
• Provide tips and suggestions on how to incorporate gamification into engagement and fundraising strategies, and how to adjust messaging to resonate with different audiences.
• To share examples of relevant, successful gamified engagement and fundraising campaigns and highlight best practices.

If you are considering a major campaign or are in the early phases of planning, this session is for you! In this session, we will be discussing some of the most important early steps we took in planning for the success of our Front and Centre Campaign.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss how best to engage the campus community in articulating the Case for Support
• Share the impact of the feasibility study
• Aligning internal interests to external expectations