1. Alumni Relations
Friendraising before Fundraising
Julie Clemens, Advancement Director
Alliance of Mission District Catholic Schools

2. Why Friendraising
• Linkage (L)
• Ability (A)
• Interest (I)
• People Give to People (“R”elationship)
• People Give because….

3. Why Friendraising…
• They were asked! (“S”olicited)
LAIRS:
Linkage
Ability
Interest
Relationship
Solicited

4. How Friendraising
• Pride
• Cultivation
• Engagement
• Stewardship

5. Alumni Pride
• Unique Spirit/Charism
• Rituals & Traditions
• Experience - Alumni-in-Training
– Create ways to promote values and
develop the spirit of philanthropy such as:
• Service to school
• Service to community
• Fundraising
• Class Representatives
• Baccalaureate Mass/Reception

6. Alumni Cultivation
• Communications
• Telling Their Stories
• Individual Attention

7. Alumni Engagement
• Affinity Groups
– 5 Year Class Reunions
– Honor Roll
– Sports, Student Government
– Sweethearts Dinner/Dance
• Participation in traditions
– Baccalaureate
– Schoolwide Anniversary
– Chaperones
• Opportunity for meaningful impact
– Service to school
– Service to community

8. Alumni Stewardship
• Personal Acknowledgement
– Leadership thank you letters
– Student thank you letters
• Group Accolades
– Features in newsletter
• Recognition
– Plaques, naming opportunities
– Honorary positions

9. Where to Start
• Recruit key volunteers:
– Teachers who are alumni
– Alumni who are still in parish
– Parents of current students
who are alumni
– Alumni parents
– Former student leaders

10. What/Where to Gather Data
• Full names, class year,
parents names, siblings,
activities, awards, high
school matriculation
• Yearbooks, school
directories, parish
directories, class
photos, high school
year books

11. How to Fund It
• Parents Council special project
Good Luck!
• Top alumni prospects
• Alumni parents in parish
• Technical support grant
• Operations BUDGET!