Strengthening the Department of Institutional Advancement

This five-year grant transformed UPs fundraising from a mere administrative office, where the most important function was to issue tax certificates, to a professional advancement unit. With the support of the Kresge Foundation, the University:

·         restructured the advancement unit and recruited fundraising specialists;

·         formalised and communicated fundraising processes;

·         developed and maintained a donor and alumni database;

·         increased individual funding by establishing annual funds, bequests, etc, and

·         increased donor funding, particularly from foundations and businesses.

The most significant impact of this grant is not the increase in donor funding, but the improved service that UP can offer donors. UP can inform our donors of funding opportunities that will benefit the University as well as the donor. We credit this change in mindset and improved donor service to the Kresge Foundation and would like to commend their initiative.