The Giving USA 2025 Annual Report on Philanthropy showed that gifts to education non-profits increased by 9.9% last year, for a total of $88.32 billion. Are your university foundation campaigns delivering maximum value? Make sure you are following these five best practices so no money is left on the table:

Use Classic Techniques

An invoice appeal, commonly known as an "ugly betty", is an effective non-profit fundraising format. It is straight to the point to get repeat donors to commit to their next donation.

Get Interactive

Getting recipients to physically engage with a mailpiece can improve its response rate. A university foundation used this perforated pull-tab marketing mailer to dispel some myths about why people don't donate. 

This college used an endless fold (also called an infinite fold) to engage their alumni to donate time, talent and treasure for an annual Homecoming giving campaign. Learn how to turn a standard promotion into a powerful interactive piece.

Use Incentives

An incentive can be a powerful motivator for donations. The Purdue for Life Foundation offers a pair of branded socks in return for a minimum $25 donation.

The University of Wisconsin Foundation has mailed out magnets as a reminder for an annual Giving Day, "The Day of the Badger". The following year they sent out a branded drink coaster.

Likewise, a sheet of calendar stickers can act as a gift as well as help donors remember Giving Days and deadlines that are important. Stickers have also been used in thank you letters to donors.

Get Personal

The Purdue for Life Foundation uses variable asks printed in a handwriting font onto Post-It notes which are affixed to the pledge cards as part of their appeal campaign.

Always Appreciate

Don't forget to thank your donors! Sending out a thank you card after a donation is made is an important step of a fundraising campaign that should not be forgotten.