Articles

Bob Burdenski writes regularly on topics related to annual giving, direct marketing and alumni relations. Here is a collection of some of his published articles.

Annual Giving Vs. Giving Annually
Fundraising and Philanthropy Magazine Australia
August, 2007

Annual giving programs don't simply seek to maximize total funds raised each year -- they seek to develop annual givers. How do you use your annual giving program to develop donors that give annually?  Download a copy of Bob's article from the August, 2007 issue of Fundraising and Philanthropy magazine in Australia.

Evaluating Your School's
Alumni Program
Blackbaud's Fundraising Well Newsletter
August, 2004

It's been hard for years to get good quantifiable data about alumni activities and interests, but times might be changing.  Will it soon be easier to decide if you've had a good year or a bad year in alumni relations? 

Leap of Faith
CASE Currents September, 2003

An excerpt from Bob's CASE book, Innovations in Annual Giving, featuring the class agent volunteer program used by the award-winning annual giving program at Philips Exeter Academy.

Out Of The Shadows
CASE Currents February, 2003

Bob speaks out in support of the annual giving director.  Once relegated to the phonathon room and the bulk mail office, annual giving directors have gained increasingly sophisticated skill in running their programs.  Old assumptions about annual giving are being revised...

Proceed According To Plan
CASE Currents May/June 2000

Most annual giving directors don't have a minute to spare, much less hours to spend on a strategic plan.  Why is strategic planning a good idea, and what examples from various colleges and universities are good to look at?

Great Catches
CASE Currents April, 1999

There's fundraising gold in that database of yours, if you know where to look for it.  First-time donors, grandparents of students, and even "do not call" alumni may be great diamonds in the rough.  Where do we find the hidden opportunities?
(Written with Jeff Hauk)

Is Direct Mail Dead? 
CASE Currents October, 1998

A look at creative direct mail ideas, including Georgetown University's "blah blah blah" young alumni letter, and Miami University's "Miami Merger valentines.
(Written with Jeff Hauk)