������

Can we use an event to raise funds for a specific scholarship or initiative?
Yes, but alignment with DPAE processes and procedures is required.

How far in advance should we start planning?
The sooner the better. At least 6-9 months in advance for large events and 4 months for smaller gatherings.

Who should be invited?
Work with DPAE to help identify prospects and key donors.

• Hosting an event with no clear goal or alumni-facing purpose
• Inviting alumni to a student event with no alumni-facing purpose
• Overextending budgets without defined engagement outcomes
• Failing to coordinate with other campus units to engage the same audience
• Over-programming: Avoid long speeches or overloading the agenda
• Lack of follow-up: Ensure timely post-event engagement

• Purpose: Is the event for cultivation, solicitation or stewardship?
• Goals: Define clear fundraising goals (dollars raised, donor engagement, pipeline development, etc.)
• Audience: Who is the event targeting?

Join the College of Public Health and the Center for Public Policy and Health for "A.I.D. For Older Adults." Learn about key contributors that impact older adult mental health, how to be aware of the signs and symptoms of distress in older adults, how to appropriately interact with an older adult who may be experiencing distress, and how to provide appropriate resources to older adults in distress.

• Define your event purpose and goals.
• Determine if you will be managing the project planning internally or need assistance from the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (DPAE).
  • All event communication and outreach is managed by DPAE communications regardless of event team assistance.
• Our division’s ability to assist varies based on capacity and strategic fit.

• Hosting an event with no clear fundraising purpose or strategy.
• Over-programming: Avoid long speeches or overloading the agenda.
• Lack of follow-up: Ensure timely post-event stewardship.
• Assuming all events will result in an immediate gift.
• Poor timing or overlap with other key campus events.
• Assuming “donation” is to cover the cost of the event from your budget.