DES Overview
Donor Enhancement Services© (DES©) is a cooperative effort among institutions to measure and compare the values, preferences, and perceptions that motivate donors to engage with their alma mater. Since its inception in 2001, the DES has delivered unparalleled attitudinal and engagement data to institutions to help further donors engagement efforts. By implementing this type of high-level research, institutions are provided with more precise directives toward the matters that mean most to their alums. In addition, DES participants have experienced tremendous success in putting into action those items which their alums noted as being of highest value. Furthermore, this gives participating institutions the opportunity to communicate their findings and the proposed efforts to their donors, thus further enhancing the relationship with the institution’s most valuable stakeholders, the donors.
DES:- Assesses institutional performance on donors-related initiatives
- Quantifies donors attitudes and opinions
- Compares results to peer institutions
- Sets baselines and benchmarks to measure and track progress
- Opens a dialogue with donors about things that matter most to them
- More effectively and efficiently provide programming, services, and communication
- Become more successful at connecting donors back to the institution
- Confirm suspicion about strengths and weaknesses of donors relation efforts
- Identify specific areas of donors interest/concern
- Show appreciation to donors for their feedback and opinions
- Bolster their case for difficult decisions on agenda additions, cuts, or changes
- Further enhance campus-wide support for donors-related initiatives
