Minnesota Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi at the University of Minnesota
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© 2018 PENNINGTON & COMPANY FUNDRAISING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 34 Of the top 10 estimates, seven alumnae responded that they would be willing to be one of the first donors to the campaign. Early support from influential alumnae will help create momentum early in the campaign. Additionally, seven of the top 10 donors indicated they may be able to make an early payment on their pledge. It should be noted that the perceived giving capability of some prominent Minnesota Alpha alumnae may be greater than their actual propensity to give as indicated in the feasibility study interviews. The appearance of great wealth is not an accurate measure of discretionary income available for the project, nor does it indicate that a particular alumnus has the desire or willingness to support the project to the degree others might assume. Pennington & Company's experience shows that a group can expect 20-25% of mailable alumnae to make any type of gift to a campaign. Of that 20-25%, 10 donors are needed to make gifts totaling approximately half of the campaign goal; and four to five solid prospects are required for each of the top 10 gifts. The interviewed alumnae were asked to make gift estimates over a five-year period. Any accelerated requests for gifts or changes in personal circumstances could significantly alter those estimates. Alumnae were informed of the potential to make tax-deductible gifts through the Pi Beta Phi Foundation. Chart J illustrates how alumnae responded when asked how important receiving a tax deduction would be when deciding to support a campaign. Fifty-two percent indicated that the ability to make a tax-deductible donation would influence the size of their gift, whereas 30% stated it would not.