Fundraising with Advancement
How to partner with Advancement — Annual Giving
Partnering with the Annual Giving office of University Advancement on fundraising projects offers an advantage in amplifying your impact. We bring extensive expertise in donor engagement, campaign management and communication strategies, ensuring that fundraising efforts are well-coordinated and effective. This partnership also provides access to resources which can enhance the reach and success of campaigns. Ultimately, working with the Annual Giving office not only maximizes fundraising potential but also fosters a cohesive approach to advancing the University's mission and goals.
Methods we can use to help you fundraise
- Crowdfunding for short-term or on-going online fundraising campaigns, stand-alone projects, Day of Giving
- Project-specific online donor forms and webpages
- Fundraising for projects: Direct mail, emails, texts
- Fundraising Events: Registration, sponsorships, raffles, silent auctions
Snapshot of the services we provide:
- Donation and gift processing
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, Venmo, cash and checks, crowdfunding - Issues tax receipts for charitable giving donations
- Data requests
- Provide data metrics and updates
- Provide training and assistance with Raiser’s Edge donor software system
- Advise with IRS charitable tax code
It's never too early to call, but it can be too late
How do you get started?
- Start early. When you have a funding need or want to host a fundraising event.
- Complete the Fundraising Approval Form. Answering all the questions will set you up for success. These questions include your fundraising project idea, money goals and target audience.
- Schedule a meeting with director of Annual Giving. At the meeting, we will discuss the best way to meet your fundraising goals as well as develop your strategy and next action steps.
- Submit a list of solicitable prospects/groups to be reviewed by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
- Submit a copy of your solicitation materials to the Office of Annual Giving and Marketing & Communications.
- Submit an appropriate data request allowing at least eight days for request to be processed.
Important things to remember
- Inform donors that checks should be made out to "University of Detroit Mercy".
- All gifts must be processed through the Office of University Advancement, located on the McNichols Campus on the second floor of the Student Union.
- The use of apps (such as Venmo) that pass funds through a personal bank account is prohibited.
- Promote your campaign.
- Approved campaigns may be promoted in accordance with existing material. All flyers must be approved by Marketing & Communications. Any flyers posted on campus must be stamped in the Student Life Office, prior to being displayed on campus.
- The Office of University Advancement is required to subtract the cost of any items given as incentive for donation (e.g. T-shirts, meals, etc.) when calculating the tax-deductible portion of a gift.
- If you are hosting a raffle, it must be approved through the State of Michigan Raffle Licensing. Allow eight weeks to get state approval for any raffle.
- For the sale of items utilizing the name, logo or mascot of Detroit Mercy, design approval must be granted by Marketing & Communications.
After the event or activity
- Submit cash and/or checks, along with the donor names and mailing addresses, to the Office of University Advancement, located on the McNichols Campus on the second floor of the Student Union.
- Send a thank-you note to the individual or corporate donor(s) from the sponsoring organization or department.