Ep. 26 - Kim Verstandig: Advancing University Fundraising in the Digital Age

Join us for a conversation with Kimberly Verstandig, Vice President for Fundraising and Senior Strategist at Mackey Strategies, as she shares her wealth of experience in higher education advancement.  In this episode, Kimberly takes us through her journey into the world of fundraising, highlighting the transformative role technology has played in reshaping donor engagement and institutional advancement. From navigating the complexities of CRM systems to striking the delicate balance between technology and personal connection, Kimberly offers practical advice on how to foster meaningful donor relationships. She emphasizes the critical role of personalization in communications and reflects on lessons learned from both successes and failures in advancement technology. Insights & Takeaways Philanthropy is fundamentally about personal engagement. Technology has dramatically changed the landscape of advancement. CRMs are essential tools for effective fundraising. Balancing technology with personal touch is crucial in donor relations. Personalization in communication can significantly impact donor engagement. Institutions need to take a holistic approach to technology. Understanding the specific needs of your institution is key when choosing a CRM. The relationship between IT and advancement has evolved over time. Success in advancement often requires a blend of technology and human interaction. Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Conversation Rundown (00:00) The Journey into Fundraising (04:37) The Impact of Technology on Advancement (07:02) Navigating CRM Challenges in Higher Education (09:31) The Challenges of finding the Best Tool (12:29) the Importance of Partners and Consultants to Help Decision Making (14:31) Balancing Technology and Personal Touch in Donor Relations (20:03) Successes and Flops in Advancement Technology (23:09) Choosing the Right CRM for Advancement Dig Deeper Kimberly Verstandig LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-verstandig-78b852b/  Mackey Strategies https://mackeystrategies.com/  And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Explore Mo...