Coaching

AGN’s coaching programs provide newcomers and rising leaders with mentoring and guidance from some the industry’s top annual giving experts. While coaching can be tailored to meet each individual’s specific needs, it often begins with a 12-week structured certification program that teaches participants the core concepts of annual giving strategy and how to apply them at their own institutions.

  • The program starts with an individual needs assessment.
  • Each participant is then paired with a dedicated coach/advisor who works with them one-on-one throughout the program to guide their learning experience, assess their progress, and provide feedback.
  • Every module incorporates instructional content, independent work assignments, and skill development meetings. 
  • Upon successfully finishing the program, participants (and their sponsors/supervisors) receive a written summary of their progress and a certificate of completion.
  • Additional coaching may continue once certification is completed and can be tailored to meet each participant’s unique individual needs.

 

Curriculum Overview

Module 1: Introduction to Annual Giving

Learn about the important role that annual giving plays within educational institutions, ways to think about prospective donor populations, tools for soliciting gifts, and methods for evaluating your efforts. Then take part in an individual needs assessment and meet with your coach/advisor to discuss how to get the most of the program modules that lie ahead.

Module 2: Segmentation

Learn how to segment donor populations based on their relationship with the institution, gift potential, or individual interests, and how to develop personalized communications and appeals that will inspire them to give. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your coach/advisor to discuss key takeaways.

Module 3: Planning

Learn how to create an effective plan for your annual giving program including setting goals, developing calendars, integrating efforts, and communicating your activities to others. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your coach/advisor to discuss key takeaways.

Module 4: Analysis 

Learn how to calculate key performance metrics, interpret outcomes and trends, incorporate external feedback and information, and translate key findings into actionable strategies. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your coach/advisor to discuss key takeaways.

Module 5: Collaboration

Learn about the various organizational structures of annual giving and advancement programs, where to look for internal and external partners, why collaboration is important and how to improve it. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your coach/advisor to discuss key takeaways.

Module 6: Engagement

Learn how to engage donors through various communications, volunteer opportunities, events and other activities, and how to measure and evaluate your efforts. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your coach/advisor to discuss key takeaways.

Final Review & Evaluation

Meet with your coach/advisor to review lessons learned as the final step in your certification.

For more information, please email us at [email protected] or call 888.407.5064