Case Study: Loyola University Chicago achieves streamlined donor data processing with Smartsheet

Loyola University Chicago Transforms Donor Database With Smartsheet

Loyola University Chicago’s Gift Processing Department — the single team that handles all donor information for a multi-campus university with thousands of students and alumni — was overwhelmed by manual Excel-based request forms and email queues. The intake process lacked accountability and visibility, causing missed expectations, constant last-minute “fire drills,” and inefficient use of staff time.

By importing existing Excel forms into Smartsheet and publishing web forms with required fields, the team automated request intake so submissions feed directly into shared sheets, can be assigned, commented on, and tracked with reports, calendar views, and notifications. The result: greater transparency and accountability, hours saved each week, adherence to the two-week turnaround, fewer interruptions for staff, and wider adoption of Smartsheet across orientation, task tracking, event planning, and system upgrade workflows.

Loyola University

Stacey Hughes

Director of Advancement Information Services