University Seeks Private Donor
Since the financial crisis, French university foundations have turned to private donors. At EducPros' January 29th event, fundraisers met to discuss their strategies.
Roughly 100 university foundations have sprung up in France since new legislation passed in 2007. Barbara de Colombe, Executive Director of the Fondation HEC, recalls, "Just a few days after the Lehman Brothers collapse, we launched a five-year campaign to raise 100 million euros."
Foundations' strategic insight can help schools weather the storm. Christel Beriot, Managing Director of University of Cergy-Pontoise's foundation, helped shift the marketing focus from students' degrees, which "didn't resonate with businesses," to their industry-specific qualifications. SMEs are also on schools' radars. As Beriot explains, "SMEs are not used to making gifts to universities. It is up to us to familiarize them."
Individuals also play a major role. University of Strasbourg Major Gifts Officer Thomas Heckel reports, "Our brand ambassadors have made some key introductions." Strasbourg also targets alumni whose success in business and politics make them likely donors. Barbara de Colombe explains, "80% of the funds come from 20% of the donors. We need the 20% to lead by example."
University Seeks Corporate Contributors
The École Polytechnique foundation's 2008-2013 campaign raised 35.2 million euros. Executive Director Jean-Bernard Lartigue reflected on the new campaign.
"Our last campaign only targeted graduates. Yet we still beat our goal of 25 million euros. Now we are reaching out to businesses too. Our focus is on scholarships: merit scholarships, scholarships for foreign students and scholarships to promote equal opportunity, excellence in research, entrepreneurship and innovation.
We will work with a consulting firm to translate our business plan into marketing materials that reflect donors' priorities. Rather than asking for money, we will give them the chance to fund some ambitious new projects."
