Each scenario includes a persona, typical giving range, and the objectives a strong fundraiser would accomplish. Start with a scenario that stretches you.
Medium
$2,500–$25,000 range
The "Why Not Endowment?" Prospect
Smart, philanthropic donor who thinks endowed gifts are "smarter" because they last forever. Wants to be convinced current-use is worthwhile.
What a great fundraiser does
- Respect her framing — do not argue endowment is bad
- Explain 5% payout reality and restriction vs. BC Fund flexibility
- Reframe: current-use is NOT a lesser form of giving — it is a different tool
- Position BC Fund as complement to, not replacement for, endowed giving
Start this scenario →
Easy
$500–$2,500 range
The Current Parent
Parent of a current BC junior, already paying tuition, wondering why giving on top makes sense.
What a great fundraiser does
- Do not dismiss the tuition concern — acknowledge it warmly
- Explain that tuition is constrained by access commitment (need-blind, full demonstrated need)
- Show that BC Fund touches every corner of campus — directly benefits her daughter
- Avoid any tone of pressure — leave her feeling respected regardless of outcome
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Easy
$100–$500 range
The First-Time Prospect
Has never been solicited before. Curious, open, hardly any objections — a chance to practice clean, affirmative messaging.
What a great fundraiser does
- Deliver core positioning statement naturally
- Explain what the BC Fund is in one clear sentence
- Use a concrete impact example
- End with a comfortable, specific ask
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Hard
Historically $250–$1,000, nothing in 10 years
The Long-Lapsed Donor
Gave consistently for a decade post-graduation, then stopped after a negative experience with the University. Guarded, a little cold. Needs to be re-engaged with care.
What a great fundraiser does
- Do NOT launch into a pitch — ask about his experience first
- Listen and acknowledge before presenting the case
- Re-establish emotional connection to BC (Jesuit mission, community)
- Only transition to the ask once rapport has been rebuilt
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Medium
$1,000–$10,000 range
The Reunion-Year Alum
Class of 2000 reunion year. Successful professionally, considering a meaningful reunion gift but wants to direct it to something specific.
What a great fundraiser does
- Acknowledge the validity of designated giving — do not dismiss it
- Explain how BC Fund gifts CAN be lightly directed (Scholarships, Faculty, Student Life)
- Emphasize that BC Fund gifts count toward Soaring Higher and boost campaign pillars
- Position flexibility as a force multiplier alongside — not instead of — a designated gift
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Medium
$100–$500 range
The Skeptical Alum
A 20-year alum who loves BC but questions why the University — with a $4.3B endowment — needs more money. Will challenge every answer.
What a great fundraiser does
- Clearly explain the difference between endowment and current-use gifts
- Cite the 90%-under-$1,000 campaign stat or the FY25 collective giving figure
- Avoid generic appeals — Michael wants specifics
- Connect BC Fund flexibility to a concrete student outcome
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Easy
$25–$100 range
The Young Alum on a Budget
A 2023 grad paying off loans, wondering if a small gift even matters. Warm, open, but uncertain.
What a great fundraiser does
- Validate Priya warmly and without condescension
- Use the collective impact stat (10,000+ donors under $1,000 = ~$2M = $40M endowment equivalent)
- Reference a concrete $50 or $100 impact example (transit pass, winter coat)
- Frame giving as participation and belonging, not transaction
Start this scenario →