Transforming Alumni Engagement: Strategies for Building Data-Driven Philanthropy

Georgia Tech, known for its robust alumni network of over 200,000 graduates, and Dartmouth College, one of the nation's leading Ivy League institutions, are both pioneering new approaches to alumni engagement. Janet Kennard, Vice President of Engagement at the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, and Liz Foster, Associate Director for Dartmouth for Life, joined forces in a recent presentation to discuss their transformative strategies for building data-driven, meaningful connections with alumni.

The following is a summary of the presentation, which can alternatively be watched in full and on-demand here.

Alumni engagement is evolving, and institutions need strategies that not only reduce donor fatigue but also foster deeper connections with alumni. On September 26, 2024, PeopleGrove hosted a webinar featuring insights from Dartmouth College and Georgia Tech. The discussion focused on three main strategies: fostering impactful alumni experiences, utilizing campus partnerships, and employing data to guide decision-making. Here are three key takeaways from the discussion to help transform your institution’s approach:

1. Combat Donor Fatigue with Meaningful Alumni Engagement

Many institutions have struggled with donor fatigue. According to the 2023 CASE Alumni Giving Insights report, 72% of alumni experience solicitation fatigue—leading to a reduced desire to engage with their alma mater​(CASE). To counter this, Dartmouth and Georgia Tech have focused on providing alumni with opportunities beyond financial asks.

For example, Dartmouth’s Alumni-to-Alumni Practice Interviewing program allows alumni to volunteer their time and expertise, creating a more personal and impactful engagement experience. By offering these kinds of tangible, career-related initiatives, institutions can foster stronger, long-lasting relationships with alumni.

2. Leverage Campus Partnerships to Scale Impact

Internal partnerships are crucial for scaling alumni engagement efforts. Georgia Tech has successfully used PeopleGrove’s Groups feature to engage geographically dispersed alumni and bring campus departments into the alumni network. Their Letter Winners Program—connecting student-athletes with alumni—illustrates how campus partnerships can drive more targeted, meaningful engagement.

These initiatives allow alumni to remain involved with the programs they care most about, such as athletics, while benefiting from mentorship and networking.

3. Utilize Data to Drive Decisions and Engagement

Georgia Tech and Dartmouth have used data to set realistic goals and measure success. Quarterly reporting on metrics such as response rates and alumni engagement allows these institutions to track progress and make informed decisions.

Dartmouth, for example, uses this data to adjust engagement strategies and refine its mentorship programs, ensuring that alumni feel involved in ways that align with their interests. According to the 2022 CASE report, this kind of personalized outreach has contributed to a 10.2% increase in alumni giving, showing that data-driven strategies can significantly impact long-term support​ (CASE).

The on-demand video version of this presentation from Georgia Tech’s Vice President of Engagement, Janet Kennard, and Dartmouth College’s Associate Director of Dartmouth for Life, Liz Foster, offers valuable guidance for other institutions looking to transform alumni engagement through data-driven strategies. Their insights into combating donor fatigue, building campus partnerships, and leveraging data to drive alumni involvement are essential for universities aiming to enhance long-term engagement and giving. For institutions eager to deepen connections with their alumni and create sustainable philanthropic pipelines, this webinar serves as an essential resource.