We recently chatted with Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement, about his team’s donor-centered approach.

“The donor’s interests drive everything,” Dunn says. Often, donors are attracted to projects that are enduring and inspiring, like a state-of-the-industry performing arts center or a package of funding that transforms our region’s health care education.

Many academic initiatives can deliver this strong sense of purpose. The key is identifying such projects and articulating them so that donors understand their potential impact. Dunn filled us in on how academic affairs personnel can help bring big ideas to life.

Communicate a Big Vision

If you’re part of an academic program, its benefits, outcomes and signature wins may feel apparent because they’re embedded in your daily work of teaching, research and service. But people outside your program may not know why it’s special — and they won’t have your sense of how it might grow and evolve in the future.

To help articulate a vision for the program’s future, consider questions about why the program began, what it’s accomplished with its current resources and what could happen if the program received additional support. Once you’ve articulated a vision, name the barriers that might prevent it from becoming reality, such as financial challenges for students, outdated labs or resources, or the need for more time and funding to support research. These barriers are the spots where donors can make a big impact.

Build Support

If you have a clear idea of how donors might make a difference, Dunn suggests talking to the team in your college dean’s office. They might know of complementary initiatives, which can strengthen your idea’s appeal. “Donors tend to get excited about interdisciplinary projects,” Dunn says.

With your dean’s support, loop in the team from the Missouri State University Foundation. Help them understand your project. “The more information we have about what you need to take the work to the next level, the more we can think about people who are good matches for the project,” Dunn says.

And keep in mind that advancement work takes time. There’s an element of serendipity to the process. But when the timing is right and an exciting project connects with a donor who wants to make a powerful impact, great things happen.

“Everywhere we go, when we hold an alumni event, people tell us about a professor who made a difference in their life.”

—Brent Dunn

Nurture Relationships

Even before your big idea comes into focus, you can be part of advancement work simply by developing and nurturing relationships. “Everywhere we go, when we hold an alumni event, people tell us about a professor who made a difference in their life,” Dunn says. Creating opportunities for these alumni to remain connected is a win-win — whether they donate money, mentor current students or share insight as guest speakers for classes.

And keep an eye out for chances to highlight your graduates’ achievements, such as the Missouri State Alumni Association’s Bears of Distinction awards. “Nothing showcases the power of an academic program more than stories of alumni who are making an impact on the world,” Dunn says. “And when people hear that kind of story, they want to be part of it.”