Blog

Commencement week is more than a milestone for graduates; it is a high‑energy, high‑attention window when pride, nostalgia, and gratitude peak for students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff. By pairing smart preparation with on‑the‑ground activation, colleges and universities can turn that emotional momentum into real philanthropic results that lift annual‑fund revenue, broaden the donor base, and create giving habits that last a lifetime. Why Commencement Week Is Philanthropy‑Friendly Emotional Peak – Students reflect on their journey; parents feel pride; alumni relive their own college memories. This emotional mix primes audiences to “give back.” Built‑In Audiences – Multiple donor segments are physically on campus at the same time, reducing acquisition costs. Media & Social Spotlight – Campus channels, local news outlets, and personal feeds are already amplifying commencement content, giving fundraisers a megaphone. Culture of Milestones – Gifts tied to rites of passage (for example, senior class gifts) enjoy participation rates far above the national average alumni giving rate of about 5.6 percent. Pre‑Commencement Foundations (3 - 6 Months Out) Data Segmentation – Create separate journeys for graduating seniors, their families, reunion‑year alumni, and faculty / staff. Story & Asset Gathering – Film two‑minute student impact stories, capture “then vs now” photos, and record alumni testimonials. Theme & Branding – Anchor all communications around a unifying idea (for example, “Pass the Torch 2025” ) and visual identity. Seed Funding & Matches – Secure a leadership gift or dollar‑for‑dollar match to manufacture urgency. Compliance & Logistics – Test text‑to‑give numbers, set up QR‑code generators, and rehearse live‑event giving technology.