Strategy: Aggressively pursue the financial resources necessary to achieve national and international preeminence in learning, discovery and engagement.
Point People: Bennie Osburn, Beverly “Babs” Sandeen
Narrative Summary of Fifth Year Implementation Efforts:
In 2007-08, key objectives to advance fundraising planning and readiness through infrastructure improvements and efficiencies included:
- Build the case for support to UC Davis during the Comprehensive Campaign;
- Recruit key campaign cabinet members;
- Develop a model alumni relations program;
- Increase the visibility of the campus in the Bay Area;
- Recruit and train the best and brightest staff to handle the advancement work of the campus.
UC Davis is in the early planning stages of a comprehensive campaign that will seek private philanthropic support for the many colleges, schools, and programs across the university. While a financial goal for the campaign has not been set yet, goals will include raising awareness of the contributions of the university, strengthening connections with alumni and friends, and building philanthropic support. The campaign may officially start in as soon as two years; the state of the economy and other factors may affect the timing of the decision. Major university comprehensive campaigns generally run for 7-10 years including advanced planning phases.
The campaign priorities will be set by academic leadership, based on the academic plan for the university, and taking into account advice from alumni and community partners. Priorities that are emerging during this planning phase include a focus on support for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty support including endowed chairs, support for cutting edge research, funds for new facilities and for patient care, and unrestricted funds that can be used to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. Gifts for such priorities are important for keeping UC Davis affordable to students, competitive, and serving society at the highest levels in the future. The campaign priorities will be finalized before the public announcement, which will require advance approval by the Regents of the University of California. State funds, in combination with gift support, allow UC Davis to stand as one of the best universities in the nation – a true public-private partnership.
Advances and Ongoing Programs Consistent with Strategy:
- Exceeded last year's 12-month giving total to UC Davis and surpassed Quiet Phase stretch goal of $125 million. More than 44,000 donors supported UC Davis with nearly $216.8 million in gifts, pledges and private grants last fiscal year, marking the sixth consecutive year that philanthropic support has grown and the first time that UC Davis has surpassed $200 million.
- Finalized recruitment of the Campaign Cabinet inaugural members including: Mrs. Margrit Biever Mondavi, Mark Friedman, Michael Chapman ‘58, and Meg Stallard ’68, William P ("Bill") Sullivan ’72, and Koichiro Aramaki M.S. ’78. Additional members may be recruited as appropriate.
- Partnered with the Health System to obtain UCOP approval of the $100 million dollar gift from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and to debut its public announcement.
- Provided leadership and staff support to the UC Foundation Board of Trustees and its Executive Committee; and recruited 7 new trustees to the board for a total board membership is 41.
- Hired first alumni Regional Program Director for the bay area and the first Director of Donor Relations. The regional programs director will help build a volunteer/donor network and foster an environment of engagement and philanthropic support through events and programs.
- Implemented a strategic program expansion of Annual & Special Gifts (A&SG) program services to provide broad-based solicitation services to all undergraduate colleges. And instituted a new Davis Chancellor’s Club Centennial Circle of $25k.
- Held the inaugural Chancellors Laureates recognition dinner in honor of million dollar donors. This event was hosted by the UC Davis Foundation.
- Designed and facilitated workshops to all campus development staff on various topics related to fundraising, gift administration and central University Development services. A few examples including education on the Endowed Chair and Professorship Approval Process, “Making Your Case: How to Sell Your Vision to Donors,” Web conferences on “Major Gifts: Solicitation in the Campaign Environment,” “Using Volunteers in Fundraising,” and ongoing Planned Giving brown bag lunches