The 2025 EverTrue Innovator Awards

The EverTrue Innovator Awards honor advancement professionals who pushed the boundaries of alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and fundraising in 2024 with bold and creative campaigns.

The EverTrue Innovators

The EverTrue Innovator Awards celebrate the game-changers in advancement—individuals and teams who pushed the boundaries of alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and fundraising in 2024. From creative thank-you campaigns to inspiring giving day stories and groundbreaking video content, these winners set new standards for impact and innovation. Learn about all of the recipients and the game-changing campaigns that earned them a spot in the spotlight.

Meet The Winners

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
East Tennessee State University

Timely Engagement Award

ETSU has taken communication to the next level by embracing ThankView to solve vendor challenges and ensure seamless, impactful outreach. When faced with issues from their print vendor, they quickly pivoted, using personalized video messages from the university president to engage President’s Society members and invite them to a football tailgate. 

This innovative solution not only addressed the immediate challenges but also delivered impressive results—a 50%+ open rate and cost savings by avoiding a failed print campaign. ETSU didn’t just keep things on track—they turned a potential setback into a chance to engage donors more effectively and creatively.

By thinking on their feet, ETSU transformed a challenge into a major win for donor engagement!

Podcast episode coming soon

Read the full story here

University of Memphis

Innovative Donor Outreach Award

Angela at the University of Memphis is redefining donor engagement, seamlessly blending strategy with innovation. As a champion of the DXO program, she’s using Pledgemine, ThankView, and Signal to create a donor experience that’s both personal and powerful.

Her game-changing approach? A personalized DXO postcard campaign through Pledgemine that reached donors before the introduction cadence, setting the stage for warm, thoughtful connections. She reinforced the message with a ThankView follow-up video, ensuring every donor felt seen and valued. 

But she didn’t stop there—Angela flipped the script on outreach, shifting the first introduction message to the third touchpoint, giving donors time to engage with personalized content before the direct ask.

The Results? Donors loved the postcards, new gifts started rolling in, and one donor even requested an extra post card to share with a friend!

Angela’s innovative approach proves that thoughtful, cadence-based outreach drives real results. Memphis, take a bow—this is donor engagement done right!

Podcast episode coming soon

Read the full story here

Berklee College of Music

Loyalty Builder Award

Camila hit all the right notes when she launched Berklee’s “Campus Connector” program, bringing donors closer to the student experience in a way that felt fresh, personal, and deeply meaningful.

Recognizing the need for stronger donor relationships after their phonathon ended, Camila designed a brilliant student-led initiative. Three student workers were paired with 377 loyal donors, becoming their personal “campus connector” and sharing eight customized videos throughout the year. From behind-the-scenes campus moments to heartfelt thank-yous, these messages made donors feel like they were back at Berklee, seeing their impact in real time.

This campaign led to outstanding engagement, with open rates at 66.6%, click rates hit 16.2%, and donors responded with enthusiasm. 78 donors sent personal replies, sharing their Berklee memories and gratitude, and 26% increased their annual giving.

Thanks to Camila’s creativity and drive, Berklee isn’t just keeping donors engaged, they’re reigniting their love for the school and strengthening lifelong connections.

Podcast episode coming soon

Read the full story here

Texas State University

Game Day Innovation Award

Texas State University scored big with its Presidential Football Suite Campaign, revolutionizing donor engagement through personalized video invitations via ThankView. Instead of generic emails, top supporters received custom messages from the President, First Lady, and mascot Boko, creating a VIP experience before they even stepped into the stadium. This resulted in an incredible 86.44% open rate and a packed Presidential Suite for all seven home games!

With 183 high-level stakeholders invited and 91 RSVPs received, this campaign didn’t just fill seats, it strengthened relationships, reengaged lapsed donors, and gave Major Gift Officers meaningful opportunities to connect. The excitement didn’t stop on game day—donors raved about the experience, proving that when you mix creativity, technology, and a little Bobcat spirit, you get a winning strategy for engagement and long-term fundraising success!

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

Equity-Centered Innovation Award

MassArt is leading the way in donor engagement with their “Art Is For Everyone” campaign, a brilliant fusion of creativity, technology, and community. By reimagining their fall solicitation, MassArt leveraged ThankView to create a video that resonated with over 25,000 potential donors, delivering a heartfelt message that connected deeply with a broad audience.

The campaign blew expectations out of the water. They nearly doubled their unrestricted revenue, with a jaw-dropping ROI of $10.40 for every dollar spent. But the impact didn’t stop there: the campaign successfully re-engaged a $10,000 SYBUNT donor who hadn’t given since 2018, proving that even the hardest-to-reach donors can be inspired by personalized, emotionally resonant content.

MassArt’s innovative approach proves that with the right message, technology, and strategic thinking, fundraising can reach new heights.

Podcast episode coming soon

Read the full story here

Tufts University

The Campus Storytelling Trailblazers

At Tufts University, the DX:CC program is pioneering new ways to connect with alumni, and this year’s move-in day video campaign took engagement to the next level. Instead of routine, scripted videos, campus creators Henry and Sophie tapped into their creativity—giving alumni an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at student life while making video creation more exciting for students.

This initiative wasn’t just about recording another video—it was about reshaping how alumni experience campus life. Henry and Sophie crafted dynamic, unscripted move-in videos, offering a genuine, personal glimpse into the Tufts experience.

The results speak for themselves. View rates skyrocketed from 61% to 84%, marking a significant engagement boost. Plus, alumni shared heartfelt responses like: “Great video! Reminds me of being a student.” and “Thanks for the message! Have a great year! I’m a class of 2010 alum who is now a teacher—and my former student is now a freshman! Look out for her!”

By empowering students to take creative control, Tufts redefined how DXOs connect with their portfolios. This campaign proves that when storytelling is authentic, engagement follows. Nicely done, Tufts!

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

Tufts University

Innovative Engagement Pathway Award

The Tufts Annual Giving (TAG) team is making donor engagement smoother, smarter, and more impactful than ever. By building a streamlined pathway, they’re ensuring donors move seamlessly from student outreach (DX:CC) to DXOs and, eventually, to planned giving. Their collaborative structure maximizes engagement across donor levels, creating a stronger, more connected donor experience.

And it’s working—two donors identified through the DX:CC-to-DXO program have already expressed interest in planned giving. Tufts is proving that when you create clear, intentional transitions, big results follow!

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

Cleveland State University

Best in Class Creativity Award

Cleveland State University took Giving Day to the next level with a video series that included a rap video! By pushing creative boundaries, they broke records and turned donor engagement into a show-stopping success. 

With four dynamic videos highlighting student stories and the impact of giving, CSU didn’t just ask for support, they made it fun, fresh, and unforgettable. 

The results speak for themselves: A 10% increase in donors, a 25% boost in dollars raised, and a buzz that’s still going strong nearly a year later.

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

Boston University

Trailblazer Award for DXO Excellence

Emma Callahan is redefining what it means to be a Donor Experience Officer. Her hard work is proof that a persistent and innovative approach is key to unlocking major donor potential. By seamlessly bridging the gap between annual giving and major gifts, she turns strategic outreach into transformative stewardship. Using EverTrue’s cadences, she engaged a previously unresponsive alumnus with seven tailored outreach attempts before securing a meeting! 

This led to two whopping $100,000 current-use gifts and a planned gift from the donor’s estate, strengthening the university’s pipeline for future major gifts. Emma’s success is a testament to the power of polite persistence, relationship building, and a donor-first mindset.

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

California Academy of Sciences

The Maestro of Meaningful Moments

Natalie at the California Academy of Sciences has redefined donor stewardship, infusing every touchpoint with creativity, gratitude, and personal connection. By leveraging ThankView, they transformed post-event engagement into a standout experience, ensuring donors felt truly seen and appreciated.

Natalie spearheaded three high-impact ThankView campaigns to express gratitude in a way that resonated deeply with donors:

  •  Academy Day ThankView Campaign – A joyful, donor-centric experience with sky-high engagement.
  •  SuperNatural Fundraiser – A family-friendly Halloween event wrapped in a personalized ThankView series.
  • Party After Dark Gala After-Party – A stylish, tailored outreach that made young philanthropists feel like VIPs.

Natalie didn’t just send thank-you videos—she strategized, crafted, and project-managed dynamic campaigns that reflected the unique themes, goals, and messages of each event. By collaborating with stakeholders and leveraging creative assets, they captured donors’ attention in a way that felt fresh, authentic, and deeply personal.

 The Results? Party After Dark hit an outstanding 74% open rate while SuperNatural achieved a 60% open rate—far exceeding standard benchmarks. In addition, the engagement rates for one campaign were significantly higher than the industry average of 22.7%, with an open rate of 73.9%. Donors didn’t just engage—they responded, thanking the team for their personalized messages.

Natalie’s innovation proves that a well-crafted message can do more than just inform—it can delight, strengthen relationships, and inspire lasting donor loyalty. Bravo, California Academy of Sciences!

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

Innovators Photos_California Academy of Sciences
Illinois State University

The Personalized Engagement Pioneer

Illinois State University is redefining what donor re-engagement looks like—one personalized video at a time. With a strategy built around creative micro-campaigns and powered by ThankView, their team turned LYBUNT outreach into an art form.

From a holiday-themed “gift” experience that felt more like festive fun than a traditional appeal, to a magical Birds Give Back Day campaign full of student energy and storytelling, ISU proves that video is more than just a format—it’s a connection builder. Their use of segmented, story-driven content has re-engaged first-time donors, lapsed supporters, and even 5-year LYBUNTs with impressive results.

By tapping students and ambassadors to help create, script, and deliver messages, the ISU team scaled authenticity without sacrificing personalization. With rising retention rates, standout open and click-through metrics, and a growing culture of creativity across campus, Illinois State’s approach is a masterclass in modern annual giving.

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

Boston College

Efficiency Innovator Award

Boston College is transforming year-end giving, setting a bold new standard in efficiency and impact. By embracing Signal early on, they’ve completely redefined their year-end outreach process, transitioning away from outdated, manual methods and introducing assigned lists and custom cadences that have revolutionized how they engage donors.  

Their custom cadences allowed development assistants and other advancement professionals to connect with more donors more efficiently. This approach isn’t just an improvement—it’s a total overhaul that’s maximizing outreach potential like never before.

The impact has been clear: outreach is quick, targeted, and impactful, with improved efficiency and streamlined operations. Boston College has set a new benchmark for year-end giving, showing that innovation can drive real change in donor in engagement. This is leadership in action!

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

University of South Florida

Pledge Innovator Award

USF completely reimagined pledge reminders with a dynamic, engaging, and donor-friendly digital-first approach. By prioritizing donor convenience and cutting down on mailing costs, they’ve enhanced the donor experience while also making the process smoother and more impactful.

With 77% open rates for pledge reminders and 65% for thank-you messages, it’s clear that this digital strategy resonates with supporters. $4.7 million in payments collected and over 130 donors opting into the digital process shows the power of this innovative approach. 

USF is demonstrating that when you prioritize convenience and personalization, donors take notice!

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

Miami Jewish Health

Heartfelt Impact Award

Jenny A. Ray, Executive Director of Development at Miami Jewish Health Foundation, didn’t just create a campaign—she created a movement. With a deeply moving and heartfelt video for Give Miami Day, Jenny powerfully conveyed the mission of Miami Jewish Health, inspiring generosity that broke records.

Jenny’s Give Miami Day video wasn’t just a solicitation—it was a message of gratitude, impact, and purpose. She masterfully expressed how donor support fuels holistic care and innovative programs that enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of Miami’s beloved seniors. Her authenticity and warmth resonated deeply, turning viewers into inspired donors.

In total, just under 2,900 emails were delivered with a nearly 38% open rate and a 3.6% click rate – far exceeding industry benchmarks. They received overwhelming positive feedback, including donors who reached out personally to express how moved they were. And to top it off, this effort resulted in $200,000 in early giving—the largest pre-Give Miami Day total ever received.

Jenny’s ability to communicate impact with authenticity and warmth proves that storytelling isn’t just a tool—it’s a force for change. Bravo, Jenny! This is donor engagement at its finest.

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

New Mexico State University Foundation

The Community Connector 

New Mexico State University Foundation is making gratitude a campus-wide celebration. With their “Thank Every Aggie” campaign, they turned stewardship into an art form, ensuring every donor—no matter the size of their gift—felt truly valued.

Every month, student-created ThankView videos delivered heartfelt messages of appreciation, bringing energy, authenticity, and a personal touch to donor stewardship. The impact? Sky-high engagement, with open rates soaring past 60% and donors feeling more connected than ever.

By putting students at the heart of their outreach, NMSU isn’t just saying thank you, they’re building a culture of gratitude that strengthens donor loyalty and unites the Aggie community.

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

Habilitas Foundation

Milestone Stewardship Award

The Habilitas Foundation’s winning campaign focused solely on celebrating donor loyalty, recognizing supporters for their years of consistent giving. Using ThankView, the team created personalized milestone videos for donors who had given for 35, 30, 25, and 20 years, regardless of the gift amount.

Messages came straight from the heart, delivered by board members, committee leaders, and rehabilitation staff—the very people whose work is made possible by donor generosity. The result? A wave of gratitude and heartfelt responses, especially from smaller donors who are so often overlooked. The impact was undeniable, and the team is already planning a return next year.

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon

On-demand webinar: How KU + EverTrue drove 7.5x more gifts.

Watch Now
KU Endowment

Award name: Data-Driven Donor Engagement Award

KU Endowment is leading the charge for data-driven donor engagement, setting a new standard for modern fundraising. By integrating ThankView into their Donor Experience program they’ve transformed personalized outreach, pipeline development, and portfolio management—driving real impact at scale.

KU Endowment’s Pipeline Development Strategy is a tiered, data-informed system designed to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors efficiently. With a structured DXO portfolio strategy, KU ensures donors stay engaged through thoughtful, cadence-based outreach (and even go the extra personalized mile, doing things like serenading donors with trumpets in a holiday ThankView!).

The Results? Hundreds of targeted donor meetings conducted in just one year, significant new commitments secured, proving the power of disciplined, data-backed outreach, and optimized portfolio coverage and donor acquisition through cutting-edge analytics.

Their approach demonstrates that strategic use of data and technology isn’t just the future of fundraising—it’s the key to sustainable, long-term donor engagement. Bravo, KU Endowment!

Podcast episode coming soon

Full story coming soon