As a volunteer, you have the entire Alumni Fund development team in New Haven ready to support you. You are encouraged to work closely with your staff manager throughout the fiscal year to determine specific strategies for your prospects or to discuss any questions you may have about your volunteer responsibilities.
Chair/co-chairs of agents
Chairs and co-chairs of agents lead a school’s annual effort to raise unrestricted support for Yale by recruiting, supporting, and guiding a roster of agents. The following are the duties of the chair/co-chairs of agents (in addition to those listed under agent responsibilities):
1. Manage agents and their groups
Monitor agents and their groups’ progress to ensure they are following up with their prospects throughout the year. In coordination with agents and your staff manager, determine the appropriate changes to make to existing agent groups to maximize results.
2. Recruit new volunteers
Work with your staff manager to identify viable candidates to join the volunteer team and plan a recruitment strategy (email, phone, etc.).
3. Aim to achieve dollar and participation goals
The Alumni Fund staff manager will consult with you to set the annual dollar and donor goals, and you will jointly monitor progress throughout the fundraising year.
4. Approve/edit solicitation materials
The chair edits and customizes solicitation materials to ensure that they are effective foreach class and constituent group. Feedback and ideas for solicitations are encouraged and welcomed throughout the year.
5. Solicit each agent for an Alumni Fund gift
Encourage your agents to make their own gifts. Remind them that they are able to make a stronger case to potential donors when they have already given themselves.
6. Make an Alumni Fund gift
Chairs should also lead by example and make their gifts early in the fiscal year. One hundred percent participation from volunteers is expected each year.
Agents
Agents are responsible for soliciting a group of prospects to make Alumni Fund gifts each fiscal year (July 1–June 30). The following are the duties of volunteers:
1. Make an Alumni Fund gift
Agents should lead by example and make their gifts in the fall. You are in a stronger position to ask for gifts if you have already shown your support.
2. Sign and postscript solicitation letters
Agents sign and postscript solicitation letters at least once each year. Your customized note is the key to a successful solicitation. A personal solicitation from a classmate is the most effective way to secure gifts for the Alumni Fund.
3. Follow up
After solicitation letters are mailed, Agents should follow up with those prospects who haven’t given to the Alumni Fund. Reach out via phone, email, or in person, if possible. The earlier in the fiscal year you can secure donors the better!
4. Use GiveCampus, our portal for volunteers
- Log in to GiveCampus.
- View your assigned classmates and have information at your fingertips immediately.
- Receive information that is up-to-date through a daily refresh with Yale’s database.
- Reach out to classmates efficiently with pre-loaded email templates. You can also call and text with your mobile device.
- Receive notifications when your classmate makes a gift.
5. Thank donors
Expressing Yale’s appreciation is an essential volunteer responsibility. Handwritten notes, phone calls, or emails are effective and meaningful ways to thank those in your group. Don’t forget to say a special thanks to first time donors and those giving at the leadership (NHA) level.
6. Attend YAA Assembly and Yale Alumni Fund Convocation
The YAA Assembly and Yale Alumni Fund Convocation is our signature program for volunteer leaders. Attendees get an inside look at Yale today, honor outstanding volunteers and organizations, and engage with each other and professional staff to share best practices and new ideas. The event is held every November on campus. You can find the schedule and more information on the Yale Alumni Association website.