Mount David Society Drives Bates Fund, Gains Momentum
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MDS Co-Chair Bill Carey ’82, P’13, P’14
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MDS Co-Chair Ted Bernhard ’92 |
Every year Mount David Society-level gifts of $1,855+ provide 70+% of total Bates Fund dollars, and, under the leadership of co-chairs Ted Bernhard ’92 and Bill Carey ’82, P’13, P’14, the Mount David Society is developing in substance and in numbers. Membership is up over last year at this time, a bold new brochure titled “Standing Up for Bates,” was mailed in December, and several networking events are planned for MDS donors in the spring. The co-chairs have worked with staff and members of the Bates Fund Executive Committee to develop a strategic plan for the Mount David Society to carry it through the next several years. |
| Work is underway to implement the plan’s three major recommendations, which include:
1. Address the governance, organization, and purpose of the MDS Committee.
2. Revise and improve the benefits package and value proposition of MDS membership, particularly at the President’s Associates $10,000+ level.
3. Improve and upgrade the marketing and branding of the MDS.
Invitations for MDS donor recognition events on campus (April 1), and in Chicago (April 27), Boston (April 28), New York City (May 4), and Washington, D.C. (May 5) will be mailed in March. Watch for more details from Bernhard and Carey, who enthusiastically note, “Through the Mount David Society, we can stand up for Bates and stake our claim as Bates leaders.” |
Goals and Progress
Bates Fund Goals for FY 2011
|
|
Participation |
Dollars |
| Alumni Fund Goal |
45% |
$4,200,000 |
| Parents Fund Goal |
35%
|
$1,300,000 |
| Total Bates Fund Goal |
|
$5,500,000 |
Progress Compared to Last Year
|
| |
1/31/10 |
1/31/11 |
| Alumni Fund commitments |
$2,275,717 |
$2,428,126 |
| Alumni participation |
23%
|
23% |
| Parents Fund commitments |
$896,582 |
$1,044,422 |
| Parent participation |
22% |
27% |
| Total Commitments |
$3,172,299 |
$3,427,548 |
| Commitments by Group |
| |
1/31/10 |
1/31/11 |
| Bates Fund Executive Committee |
79% |
100% |
| Board of Trustees |
100% |
100% |
| Mount David Society Committee |
75% |
81% |
| Class Agents – non-BOLD |
76% |
68% |
| Class Agents – BOLD |
44% |
67% |
| Bates Parents Fund Committee |
90% |
87% |
| Alumni Council |
90% |
91% |
Another Strong Month
“This is an exciting time for the Bates Fund! We have seen steady growth since 2009 for the Fund and are on track to hit our goals,” Director of Annual Giving Christina Wellington Traister ’94 says. As of January 31, overall commitments are 9.5% ahead; “this growth is due to our exceptional volunteers, our appeal calendar, and the cohesive advancement staff,” Traister notes.
Your Prospects
Please make contact with your assigned prospects if you have not already because they will be “released” to student callers in March. If you are having trouble logging in to use the online tool, please let Nina Emmi know at nemmi@bates.edu. If you need help with your PIN or ID, please call the helpdesk at 207-786-8222. If you need notecards or supplies, let us know! Thank you.
Get Ready for…
March Mania!
Graduates from the last decade from Bates, Colby, Connecticut College, and Trinity will be challenged to make a gift to their respective annual funds in the month of March. The winner receives bragging rights and parties in New England cities. More to come in the March issue of this newsletter. For questions, contact Aislinn Hougham ’07.
Next Steps
Review next steps for all volunteers by clicking here. |
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