---
title: 5 Best Practices for Your Higher Ed Fundraising Campaigns
description: 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:
image: https://www.suttle-straus.com/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/DSC05690.jpg
---

# [Blog](https://www.suttle-straus.com/blog)

# 5 Best Practices for Your Higher Ed Fundraising Campaigns

Oct 10, 2025

/ by [Theresa Aide](https://www.suttle-straus.com/blog/author/theresa-aide)

![IMG_3850](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/IMG_3850.jpg?width=5184&height=3456&name=IMG_3850.jpg)

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

![Purdue-Invoice-Appeal-1200x6272](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/Purdue-Invoice-Appeal-1200x6272.jpg?width=1200&height=627&name=Purdue-Invoice-Appeal-1200x6272.jpg)

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

![DSC00274 copy](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/DSC00274%20copy.jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=DSC00274%20copy.jpg)

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. 

![DSC01540](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/DSC01540.jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=DSC01540.jpg)

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.](https://www.suttle-straus.com/blog/how-to-turn-standard-promotion-into-powerful-interactive-piece)

#### Use Incentives

![Purdue-Sock-PC-1200x6272](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/Purdue-Sock-PC-1200x6272.jpg?width=1200&height=627&name=Purdue-Sock-PC-1200x6272.jpg)

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.

![DSC05690](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/DSC05690.jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=DSC05690.jpg)

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.

![DSC04663 (1)](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/DSC04663%20(1).jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=DSC04663%20(1).jpg)

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

![Purdue-Post-It-1200x6272](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/Purdue-Post-It-1200x6272.jpg?width=1200&height=627&name=Purdue-Post-It-1200x6272.jpg)

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

![Purdue-ThankYou-1200x627-4](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/content/blog/Higher%20Ed%20Examples/Purdue-ThankYou-1200x627-4.jpg?width=1200&height=627&name=Purdue-ThankYou-1200x627-4.jpg)

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.

 

### About the author

### Latest posts

[![Theresa Aide](https://www.suttle-straus.com/hubfs/Employee_Personnel/aide99.jpg)](https://www.suttle-straus.com/blog/author/theresa-aide)

#### [Theresa Aide](https://www.suttle-straus.com/blog/author/theresa-aide)

Theresa Aide has more than 30 years of experience in print and mail services, and coordinates large appeal projects for non-profits. She enjoys the process of taking a project from concept through to completion. Her previous role as a customer service representative means she has a detailed knowledge of best practices and can offer consultations and recommendations to deliver the best results.

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-aide-63230a26/)

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