CAMPAIGN NEWS:
Philanthropy Report
60-Second Survey Results
December 10, 2009
A 60-Second Philanthropy Report Survey was included in the October edition of the Quarterly Campaign eNewsletter. The Survey was completed by 75 respondents or 0.5% of those who received the eNewsletter (15,000) and approximately 2% of those who opened the eNewsletter (3,517).
Congratulations to Arthur T. Hill '43, Linda L. Letcher '81 and Benjamin G. Solomon '05 who won prizes in a random drawing for those who took the survey. Thank you to all who participated; your feedback is important and appreciated!
The results are being discussed and a plan for this year's Philanthropy Report is pending. To view last year's online Philanthropy Report, email Stacey Prohaska, Director of Campaign Marketing, at prohaska@muhlenberg.edu to obtain the link and password.
Question 1: How do you personally prefer to receive the Philanthropy Report?
Online/Electronically: 63.6% (49)
Hard Copy via U.S. Mail: 36.4% (28)
Comments of note: One person said that he or she considers these publications to be a waste of economic and natural resources.
Question 2: When you received the postcard announcing the change to an online version this past year and providing a link to view the report, did you visit the web page?
Yes: 42.9% (33)
No: 57.1% (44)
Comments of note: Five or six people responded that they did not receive or don’t remember receiving the postcard in the mail.
Question 3: Since then, how many separate times have you viewed the report online?
Never looked again: 72.7% (56)
One to two times: 22.1% (17)
Three to four times: 5.2% (4)
Five or more times: 0
Comments of note: Again, some people said they had not seen the postcard, so did not view the Philanthropy Report online.
Question 4: In which ways do you personally utilize the Philanthropy Report? (Please check all that apply.)
Look up my name: 66.2% (51)
Look up my names of classmates and other people I know: 68.8% (53)
Look at the photos: 63.6% (49)
Read the donor profiles: 51.9% (40)
Share it with friends and/or family: 14.3% (11)
Comments of note: None
Question 5: Did the move from hard copy to online change the way in which you personally utilize the report?
Yes: 23.4% (18)
No: 76.6% (59)
Comments of note: This question garnered a lot of comments from people who prefer a hard copy of the book. One person said that he or she leaves the book out as a way to spread the word about Muhlenberg. Another said that it is far more convenient to have a hard copy, but he or she understands the cost savings and suggested doing a less expensive piece. Another said he or she peruses the book over several months. Someone said he or she prefers a newspaper to news online. Still another said, “I would have at least leafed through the paper version, but I didn’t look at the online version.
Finally, this comment from a new parent: “This would be the first year that I would get the report, but I can tell you that if it isn’t a paper copy and I don’t have a 100% interest in the item, then I will not read it online. Every organization wants you to read their stuff online but there isn't enough time. Having a paper copy allows one to read it anywhere which I would as I read all print material sent to me.”
Question 6: Has reading the Philanthropy Report ever prompted you to make a gift/pledge to the College?
Yes: 36.5% (27)
No: 63.5% (47)
Comments of note: Most people said things like, “My giving is not contingent on others’ giving;” “My support is independently motivated;” “My gift is not predicated on any report;” and “I would make a gift no matter what.”
Some other notable comments:
“I realize how important it is to remember the College on an annual basis as I read over the printed report.”
“I like to see the different categories and from that I determine if I can increase my giving.”
“I don't want to be among the missing for my class – the philanthropy report is a good reminder of that.”
“Reminds me of the importance of giving to The Muhlenberg Fund.”
“I donate as I am able to do so but am interested in how others give back as well.”
Question 7: Which sections of the Philanthropy Report hold the most interest for you? (Please check all that apply.)
President’s Message: 68.5% (50)
Class Lists: 61.6% (45)
Faculty and Staff List: 43.8% (32)
In Memory of List: 34.2% (25)
Messages from The Muhlenberg Fund Co-Chairs: 31.5% (23)
Talents Entrusted to Our Care Campaign Spread: 28.8% (21)
In Honor of List: 28.8% (21)
Stories from the Chairman’s Circle Profiles: 26% (19)
Matching Gift Companies: 26% (19)
HMMS List: 24.7% (18)
Volunteer List: 21.6% (16)
Alumni Couples list: 20.3% (15)
Circle of 1848 list: 18.9% (14)
Friends of the College list: 18.9% (14)
Religious Organizations: 17.6% (13)
Lifetime Giving Society list: 16.2% (12)
Corporate, Foundation and Government list: 16.2% (12)
Endowed Funds: 14.9% (11)
Senior Class Connections Campaign: 13.5% (10)
Parent list: 13.5% (10)
Estate gifts: 10.8% (8)
Comments of note: None