© 2018 PENNINGTON & COMPANY FUNDRAISING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 27
philanthropic interest, opposition to the sorority condominium project, and
connectedness to Pi Beta Phi today.
Alumnae were then shown a gift chart and asked if they consider $3 million to be
a realistic fundraising goal for Minnesota Alpha. As shown in Chart E, 41% of
interviewees responded "Yes," 47% said "Maybe," and 12% said "No." This
response is slightly below average compared to other Pennington & Company
studies. Those who responded "Maybe" said they did not have the information to
know if $3 million could be raised, but were hopeful that the proposed campaign
goal was realistic. Others could not identify women that would support Minnesota
Alpha at a leadership level as noted on the gift chart. A 1970s alumna said, "I don't
know anyone at the six-figure level unless it would be an estate gift." One 1980s
alumna said, "I think the top is going to be tough. There are going be a lot more
smaller gifts." Alumnae feel it was important for a project decision to be made
before fundraising as some believe that women will not give to support the sorority
condominium complex. A 2000s alumna stated, "I do think you need to decide what
route you're going to go first because it will impact how much people will give."
Having a realistic fundraising goal and finalized project plans is essential to the
success of a capital campaign, as alumnae want to support a project that is attainable
and likely to succeed.
