OasisLMS

Preparing for donor visits is the equivalent of homework for all development professionals, and it is assumed that we do it (though undoubtedly at one time or another all of us have had to wing it before a donor meeting). Recently, at Haverford College, we have come to appreciate two distinct methodologies for preparing for donor meetings that have helped to inform our work, led to more effective collaboration with colleagues in Institutional Advancement and across departments and disciplines and with volunteers, and helped to close numerous planned and leadership-level blended gifts such that the College well exceeded its $225M campaign goal. This session will begin with a seemingly simple question of the audience—how do you prepare for donor visits? Is preparation for donor visits different for folks in gift planning? After gaining audience feedback, we will focus on how folks traditionally prepare and offer suggestions on how we might improve upon this preparation. So, think of this session as an "answer key" of sorts--you will gain access to the answers, but for the best effect, you really need to work through the steps in your respective shops for maximum effect.

Cara Holland Cara Holland is vice president of principal gifts and gift planning at the Oregon State University Foundation, where she provides strategic leadership to the gift planning program and oversees the staff that assists donors in making deferred, assets-based or complex gifts to the university.

Scott Lumpkin  Scott Lumpkin is Vice Chancellor of University Advancement at the University of Denver, where he leads the University’s comprehensive advancement efforts, including development, alumni relations, and alumni/donor engagement. Before being appointed vice chancellor, Scott led DU’s gift planning program for more than twenty years and was recognized nationally for his expertise in charitable planning. In his 30 years of service to DU, Scott has played a significant role in garnering many of the University’s largest gifts, reflecting his recognized expertise in charitable gift planning and ability to build strong relationships with alumni and friends of the University.