The Division of Institutional Advancement is taking a targeted approach in its fundraising. In particular, it aims to get young alumni and even senior students into the habit of supporting North Carolina Central University (NCCU).
“It’s not the amount that they give,” said Susan Hester, vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement. “It’s that they are getting re-engaged with their institution.”
During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Institutional Advancement raised more than $16.6 million dollars. That’s an increase of 11% from the fundraising goal of $15.
Most of the money came from alumni, corporations, foundations and friends.
To engage students, Institutional Advancement organized the 1910 Student Scholarships, where students raise money for scholarships for other students. Student donors receive a philanthropy cord they can wear to commencement.
For young alumni, the department has begun hosting monthly events at restaurants and nightclubs around Durham.
“They can network and we can teach young alumni how to advocate on behalf of the university,” said Enoch Bond, director of annual giving. “Many serve on the 40 under 40 planning committee.”
About 13% of NCCU alumni donate to the university with an average gift of near $3,000. Of the donations, 98% are restricted.
“Most donors want to give to a specific area of the university,” Hester said. “That is consistent with the UNC System universities or any institution.”
Jamia Mills ’05, ’07, usually donates to the School of Business, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in computer information systems.
“I try to give year,” Mills said. “I am an educator myself and I like to give back and provide students with opportunities that may not have been available when I was at the university. While I was at NCCU, I had a lot of opportunities given to me.”
The top three recipients are the School of Business, College of Health and Sciences and BRITE.
