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Fundraising Information Worksheet

Ultimately, our goal is to fund the University’s vision and priorities. Once we have a full understanding of your project/initiative, we can share your gift opportunity with University leadership, craft a compelling case for support, talk about this opportunity as enthusiastically as you do, and inspire prospective donors.
Contact Information
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Explain your project
To do the best job for you, we need to understand exactly what type of fundraising project or initiative you’re looking to begin and why.
What, specifically do you need funds for?
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Does a fund exist for this project?
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What would this fund accomplish, specifically? If short-term and long-term goals are different, please explain.
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Has this project been approved by your superior VP/dean/director?
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How does this initiative/project/program align with the University's strategic plan?
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Project Budget
What is the total cost of this initiative/project/program?
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What is the total fundraising goal?
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What percentage of fundraising needs to come from private support in order for it to move forward?
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The type of fund would be:
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Is there a deadline that fundraising must conclude to move forward with this project?
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Have funds been sought and submitted through University channels already?
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Please outline the budget for this program. In addition, include/list other sources of support being pursued and considered if applicable. (Ex: grants, in-kind donations and services, organizational sponsorship).
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If the fundraising goal is not reached, can the project move forward?
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If the goal is not met, how will existing funds be used?
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If the fundraising goal is exceeded, how will additional funds be used?
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Making the Case
With hundreds of gift opportunities across the entire University, we need your help to describe the case for support and present a crystal clear message why a potential donor would want to choose your cause over another (not just at Washburn, but in their community – homeless shelter, arts, church). Remember that many prospective donors have been away from Washburn a long time, live and work outside the academic world, and have a finite amount of disposable income to make a gift.
Describe/quantify the need you have and "problem" you’re trying to solve (Ex: Over 25 million Americans suffer from diabetes, which can cause blindness, amputation, death. Or: Teenagers in Topeka don’t have access to quality art education resources)
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Quantify the impact your fund/solution will have (on students, Washburn University, etc.). Describe – in concrete terms – the benefits of your solution (Ex: New behavioral therapy would save thousands of lives, millions of healthcare dollars, and untold suffering; Ex: 4,000 elementary age children would have access to theater programming)
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Are other community, state or national organizations part of this effort?
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Potential Fundraising Sources
Can you identify potential donors - individuals, foundations or corporations - or list volunteers who could help brainstorm prospects?
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The Foundation has several resources and avenues available to help fundraise for your project. Please select all fundraising avenues that may apply to your project.
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While not required, the crowdfunding Impact site allows for pre-determined giving levels. Please list giving levels and impact below (EXAMPLE: $100 - purchase a text book for class; $281 - purchase one credit hour; etc.)
Are you working with a Washburn Foundation development staff member on this project?
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Additional Information
Please be prepared to provide additional information that will be helpful to your project. You may be asked to provide or help prepare documents, pictures, videos and more. If you have immediate questions, please contact Courtney at cartman@wualumni.org or 785.670.2747.

 

 

 

The Foundation has several resources and avenues available to help fundraise for your project. Our most common are listed below:

Impact

Best suited for projects between $1,000 - $10,000. A crowdfunding tool, Impact leverages your existing network and connections to help fundraise. The site is user-friendly and easily deployed to potential donors.

Annual Giving Program

Best suited for projects between $1,000 - $5,000. The Foundation maintains contact with alumni and donors throughout the year in a number of different ways (student callers, direct mail, email, etc.). Most gifts are commonly between the range of $5-$1,000.

Day of Giving (annually on Feb. 6)

Best suited for projects between $1,000 - $25,000. Each year, Washburn University and the Foundation partner on a Day of Giving event on Founder's Day, Feb. 6. Projects may be considered for Day of Giving and promoted through a Day of Giving website and shared by Foundation student callers.

WWVP

Grants are available for up to $5,000. Washburn Women’s Venture Partners is a giving circle comprising Washburn alumnae and friends who volunteer their time and commit financial support to Washburn. WWVP accepts grant requests the Winter of each year, and makes grant decisions each Spring.

Major Gift Fundraising (Development staff)

Best suited for projects $25k and above. Major gift work can sometimes be a very rewarding development avenue – seeing a donor realize their philanthropic goal and the impact their gift makes – and has the potential to make a significant difference for a department or program. However, it also requires the most time and care - to execute a feasibility study, develop a comprehensive fundraising plan, identify and cultivate donor relationships, and make an ask/appeal for support. Often times, this process can take 24 – 36 months.

1729 MacVicar Avenue
Topeka, KS 66604 Phone: 785.670.4483
Email: contactus@wualumni.org