Best of CASE District VIII Award
 

Institution: Montana State University Alumni Foundation

Title of entry: MSU Bobcat Family Fellows

About this entry: In February 2020 when COVID shut down travel, sending students home for the semester and forcing everyone to learn ZOOM, the Montana State University Alumni Foundation (MSUAF) concentrated on new ways to support Bobcat donors and families, including a revamped donor-based program for parents and family members. An effort to enhance weekly communication focused on hosting a virtual Parent Coffee Break series with the Dean of Students from September 2020 through April 2021. Online registration was limited to ensure a personalized experience, with approximately 50 parents participating, grateful for the connection with the Dean of Students and fellow Bobcat parents. Many of these relationships grew through individualized follow-up interaction, leading to increased parent giving and an opportunity to formalize a community of philanthropic parents. In May 2021, MSUAF established the Bobcat Family Fellows (BFF) to inspire leadership giving for philanthropic parents interested in deepening their relationship with MSU. The minimum pledge commitment of $25,000 could be made over a maximum of five years, with the first gift typically allocated to the Dean of Student’s Excellence Fund to support all Bobcats. Future BFF gifts could be designated to other areas as each family’s interests evolve, concluding with a capstone gift to honor their graduate. Bobcat Family Fellows connect with the University and other BFFs through unique, invitation-only campus events, early access tickets and customized visits. In less than a year, eleven founding members became MSU BFFs.