We all know that most state legislatures are making drastic cuts to their budgets. One of the main areas of cut backs is to higher education, and, as a result, public colleges and universities are turning to their alumni for support. This is a new experience for many public institutions; however, private colleges and universities have a long and successful history of soliciting their alumni and hosting reunion activities. Many events draw alumni to the campus, while others are held in various locations across the country where alumni congregate.

While academic programs and instructors at public institutions are being eliminated, alumni associations are increasing their staffs and gearing up their fundraising appeals. More events are being held in order to solicit their alumni. As a result, alumni associations are increasing their budgets to include banners, other event signage, and branding items. Before starting Banners on a Roll® with my partner, Brad Lehrer, I was a professional, nonprofit fundraiser. Consequently, I understand that alumni associations walk a fine line. They must host events and distribute printed materials which not only spread their appeal messages effectively, and, at the same time, they must assure their donors that the school is not spending too much of its money directly on the events and promotional materials. Donors want to make a difference in the lives of students; they don’t want to donate to the operational budget, which pays for services such as heating the buildings and cleaning the common areas on campuses. Alumni associations are developing programs to achieve their fundraising goals. Often supplies such as banners, table skirting, and stickers are purchased in order to host effective events. That’s where Banners on a Roll® can help. Give us a call to discuss your objectives, and we’ll work with you to meet your goals. Our years of experience working with nonprofits will benefit your organization by providing the most effective items for your events while working within your budget constraints. We enjoy developing fundraising campaigns, and we’re good at thinking outside the box to make an effective branding statement.

What a challenge alumni associations face! Not only are you scurrying to generate funds for your schools from alumni, but also you are competing with other nonprofits organizations across the country, which are also facing budget cuts. But you are not alone. Banners on a Roll® is here to work with you to host effective events which result in increased alumni donations. Feel free to give us a call, and we look forward to discussing your plans with you.