Goal: $3 Million in 18 Months

The Dyer Institute has been recipient of generous gifts that have helped to support our start-up programs and operating costs. For this we are thankful. Another approach to sustaining and increasing our contributions is through an endowment. The above reflects our goal. We are working with many to make it real, including connections with wealthy individuals, corporate foundations, corporate partners, and alumni.

What can we learn from others about simple messaging in fundraising? This is one of the questions we asked of Joseph Ogden, Assistant Dean in the Marriott School’s External Relations. Joseph’s background is marketing and public relations. He has been very involved in Marriott School efforts to fund expansion of the Tanner Building. Joseph has also helped other centers and institutes create products to support their core message. So he was a natural person to learn with.

Our conversation helped us become aware of several helpful approaches:

- give attention to our programs and their impact on people

- developing simple materials that capture our core purpose and need

- think from the perspective of those we will approach (what logic, emotion, and credibility would accurately convey our request in a way that can be heard)

- work with an alumni team to extend our reach and contacts

- show the value of our product through pictures, teachings, numbers

Working through our dean’s office, we asked a similar question of Maurice Keetch of LDS Philanthropies. Maurice is a delightful, spirited man with a background that includes Deutsche Bank. “People have been prepared to give.” I appreciate Maurice for speaking at this level, in addition to his many clear recommendations that help us tell our story.