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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 Mississippi Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi has a total of 2,256 alumnae listed in
the database provided by Pi Beta Phi International Fraternity. Of the total
membership, 43 (2%) are listed as deceased, 419 (19%) are considered lost, and
1,794 (79%) are listed as active and mailable.
Pennington & Company recommends no more than 10% of alumnae be considered
lost, and Mississippi Beta's statistics fall above the recommended percentage.
Through prospect research, face-to-face interviews, and an alumnae locator service,
Pennington & Company updated 42 addresses for alumnae previously listed as lost.
In a capital campaign, it will be crucial to continue to work to update alumnae
addresses to ensure alumnae receive news of the fundraising effort. Additionally,
Mississippi Beta's database has 1,348 (60%) mobile phone numbers and 1,534
(68%) email addresses. Through the course of the study, 14 new mobile phone
numbers and 70 email addresses were obtained.
Moving forward, a concentrated effort should be undertaken to continue to collect
current alumnae contact information. Current mobile numbers and email addresses
are crucial in connecting with alumnae in today's technological age. In addition, an
emphasis should be placed on gathering business information (title, occupation,
address, phone number, and email). Complete business information is important for
setting cultivation and solicitation visits, as well as for conducting the extent of
prospect research necessary for a successful capital campaign. To gather updated
contact information, further research should be conducted, as well as an annual
biographical update (Appendix E) mailing sent. Continuing with alumnae outreach
