Case Study: DePauw University achieves 154% increase in phonathon calls and improved alumni engagement with Blackbaud Guided Fundraising

DePauw University - Customer Case Study

DePauw University faced the challenge of sustaining its annual giving outreach when COVID-19 forced in-person operations to pause. Having implemented Blackbaud Guided Fundraising in 2019, the advancement team was able to quickly transition 27 student fundraisers to remote work using the platform’s cloud-based tools and performance monitoring, while reframing outreach from solicitation to relationship-building and stewardship.

By shifting strategy and using Blackbaud’s software to coach and monitor callers virtually, DePauw maintained momentum and strengthened alumni connections. Results included a 154% year‑over‑year increase in calls, a 14% drop in voicemail rates, a 2.6% rise in text response rates, and greater confidence and self-sufficiency among student fundraisers—helping ensure continued, multi-channel donor engagement.

DePauw University

Amanda Nelson

Coordinator of Annual Giving for Campus Programs