2008 Woodie Awards
Phonathon to raise $300,000 more than last year
Laura Lander
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: News
Wright State University's Phonathon program expects to earn about half a million dollars this year, $390,000 more than last year.
In past years, the university was consistently losing money, said Natalie Rohlfs, director of Annual Giving.
WSU partnered with RuffaloCODY, a fundraising and enrollment management services company, in January to "provide more money than before for scholarships and programs on campus," said Rohlfs.
Phonathon, which calls alumni and WSU friends to raise funds, has earned $11,000 in donations after partnering with RuffaloCODY, a private management services and software company.
"It is a contracted cost the University has worked out with them (RuffaloCODY). We pay them to help us raise funds," said Rohlfs, "In the long run, we raise more funds than we pay them. Just like any other cost you pay for the university, it is in the operating budget," she added.
WSU paid RuffaloCODY $397,992 for 2009 fiscal year.
Prior to WSU's partnership, WSU budgeted $118,700 for operating costs, but the program only raised $110,000.
With RuffaloCODY, WSU Phonathon could increase their donor base and reach more alumni and friends. This way, they could be more effective in their fundraising, Rohlfs added.
Phonathon has relocated to University Park across from Meijer, added new calling software and offers expanded employment opportunities for students.
"It is nice to call alumni and speak with them about their experience at Wright State," said Tory Detty, a student worker at WSU Phonathon. "It makes you also feel good about yourself and you are doing something for the university most people are not able to say."
Benefits for employees include pay bonuses, flexible working schedules and tuition reimbursement. These benefits were one of the selling factors in WSU's decision to partner with RuffaloCODY.
"(WSU Phonathon) is one of the most consistent sources for funds for the university," said Rohlfs.
Approximately 70 percent of tuition covers university costs, leaving 30 percent left. Phonathon provides between 1,000 and 1,500 donation options, said Rohlfs. All money raised goes to WSU.
About the Phonathon
In past years, the university was consistently losing money, said Natalie Rohlfs, director of Annual Giving.
WSU partnered with RuffaloCODY, a fundraising and enrollment management services company, in January to "provide more money than before for scholarships and programs on campus," said Rohlfs.
Phonathon, which calls alumni and WSU friends to raise funds, has earned $11,000 in donations after partnering with RuffaloCODY, a private management services and software company.
"It is a contracted cost the University has worked out with them (RuffaloCODY). We pay them to help us raise funds," said Rohlfs, "In the long run, we raise more funds than we pay them. Just like any other cost you pay for the university, it is in the operating budget," she added.
WSU paid RuffaloCODY $397,992 for 2009 fiscal year.
Prior to WSU's partnership, WSU budgeted $118,700 for operating costs, but the program only raised $110,000.
With RuffaloCODY, WSU Phonathon could increase their donor base and reach more alumni and friends. This way, they could be more effective in their fundraising, Rohlfs added.
Phonathon has relocated to University Park across from Meijer, added new calling software and offers expanded employment opportunities for students.
"It is nice to call alumni and speak with them about their experience at Wright State," said Tory Detty, a student worker at WSU Phonathon. "It makes you also feel good about yourself and you are doing something for the university most people are not able to say."
Benefits for employees include pay bonuses, flexible working schedules and tuition reimbursement. These benefits were one of the selling factors in WSU's decision to partner with RuffaloCODY.
"(WSU Phonathon) is one of the most consistent sources for funds for the university," said Rohlfs.
Approximately 70 percent of tuition covers university costs, leaving 30 percent left. Phonathon provides between 1,000 and 1,500 donation options, said Rohlfs. All money raised goes to WSU.
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