The Division of Institutional Advancement (IA) has found a way to connect a new divisional priority to its Salesforce CRM implementation through the addition of the Classy platform.
As the division expands its fundraising opportunities, crowdfunding has become a priority to implement for the University. After much research, the team was able to select a platform that is also Salesforce compatible. Classy, which is currently touted as the best online and mobile fundraising platform, allows IA to offer crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising in a way that reaches new donors and additional networks of people. The platform enables IA to leverage current supporters to fundraise on the University’s behalf in a controlled and branded environment.
"Although phase one of the project is to stand up Classy by itself, we anticipate using the platform to its full potential when we are able to integrate it with Salesforce."
- Wiley Runnestrand, Associate Director for Digital Engagement.
The Advancement Communications team began onboarding the Classy platform in early July and is making strides toward launching the product for The Golden Flashes Club fundraising campaign this August with the athletic fall season. Beyond August, however, the team’s sights are set on November, when Classy will play an integral part in the Giving Tuesday outreach strategy, adding in a collective action component that didn’t previously exist.
“Last year, we raised a record-breaking $426,000 on Giving Tuesday,” adds Danielle Hupp, Associate Director for Annual Giving. “This year, with the added opportunities of crowdfunding, we hope to surpass both the dollar amount raised and the number of people who participate.”
In the first year, crowdfunding will be limited to Athletics and Giving Tuesday as IA takes time to fully explore the system and all future opportunities for use across campus and beyond.