© 2019 PENNINGTON & COMPANY FUNDRAISING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 37
the campaign (particularly those whose giving capability is known) and to stretch
her giving beyond comfortable levels. Appendix B shows the gifts required to
achieve these campaign goals.
The attainment of this minimum goal will take a significant amount of time and
effort. Success will require recruiting a few key individuals early on to make a
commitment of their time and financial resources to this campaign. Face-to-face
solicitation calls will be required to secure the larger leadership gifts needed to
reach the minimum goal. Involvement in the solicitation process by well-known,
influential alumnae will help raise the sights of other alumnae and persuade them
to make more significant gifts. Success at this level is best assured through face-to-
face solicitation by a qualified professional and, whenever possible, an influential
alumna.
It is important to recognize that alumnae who make a major investment in this
project will ask tough questions regarding financing and maintenance plans. To
ensure support from all donors, a detailed case for support must be developed prior
to asking alumnae for major gifts. The case for support must be well-defined, and
all financial estimates must be present.
B. Criteria for success
Pennington & Company has worked with more than 847 fraternity and sorority
house corporation boards on 152 college and university campuses. Our experience
has proven that certain elements are critical to successful fundraising:
• A persuasive, well-planned, and urgent case for support.
• Unanimous support by the alumnae leadership concerning the chapter's
needs and the plan to meet these needs. The alumnae leadership must
be willing to demonstrate the importance of the project with their own
philanthropic gifts and investment of time.
