Best of CASE District V Award
 

Institution: Miami University

Title of entry: Welcome to the Endowment Booklet

About this entry: The Welcome to the Endowment booklet is a comprehensive stewardship and donor relations publication created to serve as a beginner’s guide for donors who establish endowed funds at the university. The primary audience for this piece includes donors who have invested in Miami University’s future through the creation of endowment funds.

The overarching goal is to foster a sense of transparency, trust, and connection between donors and the university by providing clear, accessible information about the management and impact of their endowment funds. The Welcome to the Endowment booklet serves as both an educational tool and a relationship-building resource. It helps ensure donors understand the university’s fiduciary responsibilities, endowment processes, and the long-term impact of their philanthropy. It also introduces the idea that the Office of Stewardship and Donor Relations is a resource for them whenever they may have a question or concern.

We developed the Welcome to the Endowment booklet after recognizing the need for a standardized onboarding process for new endowment donors. By blending donor-centric language, visual appeal, and transparent financial education, the guide provides donors with both practical information and meaningful reassurance about their long-term impact.

Since its launch, the Welcome to the Endowment booklet has become an important starting point for Miami’s stewardship strategy for endowed funds. Donors have responded positively, citing greater clarity and confidence in the university’s handling of their funds. Internal teams have also benefited from a comprehensive resource they can use in donor conversations.