SUCCESS STORY
Georgetown Law
Nation’s top-ranked university for clinical law, joint degree, and advanced degree programs exceeds fundraising goals
The Situation
Based in Washington, D.C., Georgetown Law is a world-renowned university with a wide variety of programs and a diverse curriculum. In order to reach an annual fundraising goal of $30 million by 2020, they needed an aggressive growth plan.
The Solution
In our collaboration with Georgetown Law, Graham-Pelton conducted an internal assessment focused on the staff, organizational, and budgetary investments needed to achieve their fundraising goals. This included the creation of a five-year development growth plan with detailed recommendations for staffing and budgets for the Development and Alumni Relations department, and an assessment of the potential for increased major and principal gifts.
We then turned our attention toward development team management and coaching of existing and new staff, including a new Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations. By providing a series of regular touch points, short-term goals, and best practices, we helped the entire Development and Alumni Relations team maintain focus, generate momentum, and improve performance during a period of leadership transition and growth. In addition, we provided coaching and training for major gifts officers, and served as a strategic thought partner for the Dean and newly recruited advancement leaders.
The Success
Following the implementation of Graham-Pelton’s growth plan, Georgetown Law has exceeded its fundraising goals. During the last fiscal year, they received a record-breaking $56 million in gifts and pledges to the school, shattering the previous record of $40 million set in 2019.