Minnesota Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi at the University of Minnesota
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1065206
© 2018 PENNINGTON & COMPANY FUNDRAISING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 9 II. Organizational Readiness A. Status of alumnae records and geographic representation This section of the feasibility study analyzes the state and condition of the chapter's alumnae records, including mailable alumnae, the accuracy of information, the inclusion of business information, and alumnae distribution. The Minnesota Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi has a total of 2,535 alumnae listed in the database provided by Pi Beta Phi Headquarters. Of the total membership, 551 (22%) are listed as deceased, 83 (3%) are listed as expelled, 490 (19%) are considered lost, 49 (2%) are considered no mail or no solicit, 250 (10%) have resigned or depledged, and 1,112 (44%) are listed as active and mailable. Pennington & Company recommends no more than 10% of alumnae be considered lost, and Minnesota Alpha's statistics fall above the recommended percentage. Through prospect research, face-to-face interviews, and an alumnae locator service, Pennington & Company updated 23 addresses for alumnae previously listed as lost. Additionally, several new mobile phone numbers and email addresses were obtained throughout the feasibility study. It will be important to cross reference the Minnesota Alpha database with those kept by local alumnae clubs, specifically Minneapolis and St. Paul. An emphasis should be placed on gathering business information (title, occupation, address, phone number, and email). To date, Minnesota Alpha has email addresses for only 491 (31%) living alumnae. Complete contact information is important for setting cultivation and solicitation visits, and for conducting the prospect research necessary for a successful capital campaign. To gather this information, further research should be conducted, as well as an annual biographical update (Appendix E) mailing sent. Continuing with alumnae outreach and maintaining a consistent communication schedule will strengthen the accuracy of Minnesota Alpha's database.