The Full Story
Signal has introduced transparency to Memphis’s workflow. Fundraisers are no longer given vague instructions to “qualify people” without clear direction. Instead, they follow structured cadences that track each step in the qualification process. “You open up Signal and then it lets you know what you need to do and how you’re going to continue to find success and engage with your donors,” said Kimberly Grantham, VP of Philanthropy at University of Memphis.
Every interaction is logged, making it easier for portfolio managers to track progress and ensure that the right prospects are being prioritized.
Beyond improving individual productivity, Signal has enhanced collaboration across the advancement team. Tasks are now systematically assigned, ensuring that key donors receive personalized and coordinated outreach. For instance, a high-value donor with specific engagement preferences now has a cadence outlining exactly who will handle each touchpoint and when. This eliminates redundancy and guarantees a seamless donor experience.
Signal is also allowing consistent and easy follow-up, leading to record-high qualification rates and donor engagement.. “We focused heavily early in the year on using the ‘Book a Meeting’ cadence to qualify and disqualify major gift prospects,” Katharine said. The two fundraisers who have really leveraged the tool are 89% and 143% above the average for qualifications in the fiscal year.
They’ve also used Signal’s outreach to double the number of visits than the rest of the major gifts team. The most frequent user of Signal on the team has already met her goal for solicitations over $50k for the fiscal year. She’s now using Signal to keep up stewardship for those donors and close the proposals.
Finally, Signal also plays a crucial role in tracking donor interactions. If a donor visits campus or attends an event, fundraisers can easily pull up their history to see recent touchpoints and ensure continuity in their conversations. This level of organization strengthens relationships and fosters a more personalized donor experience.
Impact:
By implementing Signal, the University of Memphis has empowered its fundraisers to work smarter, collaborate more effectively, and enhance donor engagement. The team is closing more proposals, qualifying more prospects, and streamlining their workflows—all of which contribute to a more productive and successful advancement operation.
