Results from the S19 UIDEA Batch
Matchmaker requested that its tool be moved into the TED production environment in a limited release as new users are onboarded. They also requested student assistance in managing the onboarding and data preparation processes. Results from Demo Day were 89% go, 11% no go, and participant comments included, “This is a no brainer” and “Awesome! I see uses for this in communications too, searching for constituents to profile/quote in stories.” The Selection Committee voted to scale this initiative as requested. Learn more about Matchmaker, connect with the team, or sign up to have your unit onboarded.
DJ hopes to embed students more fully into the advancement operation, requesting $5,000 to investigate a new approach to student involvement in advancement in the fall batch and $4,743 to design and pilot (through March) a team of students across campus trained and ready to visit with donors alongside advancement officers. Results from Demo Day were 69% go, 31% no go, and participant comments included, “There is SO much more that could come from this great work!” The Selection Committee advanced both requests. Learn more about DJ, connect with the team, or request to be involved in either of the team's initiatives.
Little Data completed the first two phases of its investigation of using a new slant on a digital gift officer to engage a targeted set of major gift capacity, low-engagement alumni in Chicago. The Demo Day audience felt DJ's findings would be valuable to advancement, and that Little Data's solutions could be used for LAG potential donors, as a toolkit for gift officers, for tailored volunteer opportunities, qualification, event success, and appointment setting. The Selection Committee would like a team to take Little Data's findings and further pilot next steps. Learn more about Little Data or sign up to lead the next pilot.
LEADER asked to further develop the startup list in connection with advancement, requesting funding for a student for FY20, $4,500 in YouTube marketing to reach entrepreneurs, $2,250 to market the site to alumni, $5,000 to further build out the site, and $12,000 to create experiences for entrepreneurial visits to campus. Results from Demo Day were 69% go, 31% no go, and participant comments included, “Seems like a "low hanging" idea that could reap significant gains for the university.” and “Smart idea benefitting both advancement and prospective donors (entrepreneurs).” The Selection Committee approved the requests directly related to advancement for FY20, and the Urbana Provost's Office agreed to fund site improvements. Learn more about LEADER and the startup site.
Crypto requested the resources to incorporate Bitpay on the UIF website, expanding to the universities and units as requested, to enable giving via cryptocurrency. Results from Demo Day were 86% go, 14% no go, and participant comments included, “Do it now!,” and "Cryptocurrency is growing in popularity and acceptance, so being able to include this as a giving option will be beneficial to donors and our advancement efforts." The Selection Committee unanimously voted to launch Bitpay. Learn more about Crypto and sign up as an early adopter for your giving site.
The fall UIDEA batch launches on September 12. Demo Day will be held on December 10. Apply now! Applications are due on August 16.
