What We Can Be Campaign Volunteer Toolkit

Denison has launched the most ambitious fundraising effort in its history — six bold priorities designed to expand opportunity, elevate learning, and prepare students to launch quickly and successfully into their lives and careers without significant debt. The What We Can Be campaign launched publicly in Oct. 2025 and will continue through 2027.

Campaign Goals

• Raise $400 million
• Achieve 45% alumni participation in giving
• Engage 65% of the alumni base

Campaign Priorities

Access and Affordability ($125 million goal) — Expanding scholarships and aid to ensure talented students from all backgrounds can attend and thrive at Denison.

Academic Excellence ($57 million goal) — Investing in innovative programs, faculty, and facilities that allow Denison to deliver a high-quality and exceedingly relevant liberal arts education.

Career Launch ($70 million goal) — Providing every student with meaningful career preparation through internships, mentorship, and professional experiences.

Enhancing Student Life ($45 million goal) — Strengthening wellness, athletics, the arts, leadership, and community across campus.

Alumni Network for Life ($78 million goal) — Deepening connections among Denison’s nearly 40,000 alumni to sustain lifelong engagement and opportunity.

Unrestricted Endowment ($25 million goal) — Provides the ability to pivot and respond quickly to opportunities in a changing environment.

The regional volunteers are instrumental in supporting the campaign events. They serve as the regional ambassadors to the college and help build excitement leading up to the event. Prior to the event, volunteers encourage other Denisonians to attend the event in their city by doing personal outreach and posting on social media.

During the event, they serve as the greeters and representatives for the college by welcoming people and assisting with the check-in process. They also help guide and direct guests during the event when needed.

Before the event

• After receiving an outreach list from a member of the Denison team, the volunteer reaches out to alums and family members in the region to encourage attendance at the event.
• The volunteer participates in a Zoom meeting approximately four weeks prior to the event to review outreach needs and on-the-ground event support.
  • This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the campaign, the volunteer role, etc.

Supporting materials: Within this toolkit, volunteers have access to sample scripts, social posts, and talking points to help guide their outreach. Volunteers also have direct access to a Denison team member should they need further assistance.

During the event

• The volunteer ensures guests have a quality experience by welcoming guests and guiding them through the check-in process.
• The volunteer maintains the swag table, making sure it is fully stocked and looks great.
• The volunteer meets with a variety of Denisonians throughout the evening, seeking to build a connection and better understand what they care about most.

Following the event

• The volunteer conducts personal outreach (via email, phone call, or text message) with those they made a connection with at the event, approximately six weeks following the event.
  • A Denison staff member will coordinate outreach assignments among a city volunteer group to ensure all attendees receive some form of personal outreach.

Annual Fund volunteers serve as ambassadors for Denison’s Annual Fund during the campaign event. They help foster meaningful connections with fellow Denisonians, express gratitude to donors, and highlight the impact of Annual Fund giving. During the campaign event, they engage guests in conversations about philanthropy, share their personal motivation for supporting Denison, and invite others to contribute through on-site or mobile giving. These volunteers will reach out to contacts to thank them for attending and encourage continued support.

Before the event

• The volunteer participates in a Zoom meeting approximately four weeks prior to the event to review outreach and fundraising needs.
  • This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the campaign, the volunteer role, etc.

During the event

• The volunteer thanks donors at check-in or when greeting them throughout the event (donors will be visible with a ribbon on their nametag).
• The volunteer meets with a variety of Denisonians throughout the evening, seeking to build a connection and better understand what they care about most.
• The volunteer engages Denisonians in conversations that showcase the impact of the Annual Fund and communicates personal motivation for supporting it.
• The volunteer concludes these conversations with an on-site gift ask.
  • Offers to help collect that gift with an on-site payment processor
  • Gifts can also be made via QR code and mobile device

Following the event

• The volunteer follows up with contacts via email, phone, or text approximately six weeks following the event to thank them and invite those who have not yet given to make a donation.
  • A Denison staff member will coordinate outreach assignments among a city volunteer group to ensure all attendees receive some form of personal outreach.

As engaged and informed members of the Denison family, Family Leadership Council (FLC) members play an important role in encouraging attendance at events and participating themselves. Their involvement strengthens community, enhances engagement, and supports Denison’s philanthropic goals.

Before the event

• Promote the event within your Denison network and encourage early reservations, as events often reach capacity.
• Review attendee lists shared by Denison staff and help bolster participation through personal outreach.
• Participate in a Zoom meeting approximately four weeks prior to the event to review outreach progress and align on expectations.
  • Use this meeting as an opportunity to ask questions about the campaign and your volunteer role.

During the event

• Thank donors at check-in or when greeting them throughout the event (they will be identifiable by a ribbon on their nametag).
• Help attendees feel welcome and comfortable; build rapport and meaningful connections.
• Seek opportunities to share positive aspects of your student’s and family’s Denison experience.
• Ask thoughtful questions to better understand each attendee’s relationship with the college.
• When appropriate, conclude conversations by encouraging attendees to join you in supporting Denison philanthropically.

Following the event

• In coordination with Denison staff, follow up personally (via email, phone, or text) with individuals you connected with approximately six weeks following the event.
• Share information learned with Denison staff about:
  • potential new FLC members (current parents)
  • prospective leadership donors
  • volunteers interested in further engagement

In coordination with Denison staff, volunteers will reach out to regional alums and families. Please use the drafted communication as a guide and customize it to fit your Denison experience.

Communication Templates

Email, for alums

Hi NAME,

Although we probably can’t grab a snagel or Whitser in CITY, we can transcend time and distance to enjoy a remarkable evening together as Denisonians on DAY, DATE, at TIME.

Denison is bringing our “fair college on the hill” to us. I really hope to see you there — this is a chance to celebrate how Denison has shaped us and to strengthen our community of Denisonians. And it’s an opportunity to learn more about What We Can Be: The Denison Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Denison’s history.

Learn more and RSVP for the event in CITY. (Include link)

I’m looking forward to hearing from university leaders, including President Adam Weinberg, about their vision for Denison’s bright and bold future. From new academic spaces to more scholarships to expanded opportunities for students, the campaign for Denison is a momentous occasion. Join me!

Kindly,
NAME

Email, for families

Hi NAME,

When we helped my SON/DAUGHTER/CHILD get settled on Denison’s campus for the first time, I expected HIM/HER/THEM to find community. What I did not expect, however, was to find my own community with other incredibly supportive Denison families.

While our students are on campus, they are doing incredible things. On DAY, DATE, at TIME, we have the chance to come together to support their Denison journey, and to enjoy a truly remarkable evening.

This event is a chance to celebrate how Denison has shaped our students and to strengthen our community of Denisonians in CITY. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about What We Can Be: The Denison Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Denison’s history.

Learn more and RSVP for the CITY event. (Include link)

I really hope to see you there. I’m looking forward to hearing from university leaders, including President Adam Weinberg, about their vision for Denison’s bright and bold future. From new academic spaces to more scholarships to expanded opportunities for students, the campaign for Denison is a momentous occasion. Join me!

Kindly,
NAME

Social media

Denisonians in CITY, this is for you! Join me on DATE to celebrate what we can be when we work together! (link to registration page)

Denison has helped shape me into who I am, and I’m calling on my classmates and friends to help shape Denison for the next generation. Join me at a special event in CITY on DATE to learn more about Denison’s incredibly bright future. (link to registration page)

I will forever be grateful to Denison for giving CHILD’S NAME an incredible education and the foundation for HIS/HER/THEIR career. I’m proud to be supporting Denison’s most ambitious philanthropic campaign and hope you will join me. If you’d like to learn more about Denison’s future, you can join me at a special event on DATE in CITY.

Check-in and Registration: Regional Volunteers

• Detailed instructions for using the check-in system
  Information on how to seamlessly transition from check-in to the swag table

Making the Ask and Thanking Donors: Annual Fund Volunteers and Family Leadership Council Members

• Script for on-site gift asking

1. Welcome and Introduction
“Hi! My name is NAME, Class of YEAR, and I’m thrilled to be volunteering for the Annual Fund today. Thank you for joining us and being part of this incredible Denison community.”

(Smile, make eye contact, and keep it conversational.)

2. Personal “Why” Story
Start by sharing a bit about why you give back. “Denison made a huge difference in my life because [share your personal story — e.g., a scholarship opportunity, a mentor who changed your path, lifelong friendships, or a transformative class]. That’s why I support the campaign and continue to invest in our students — to make sure they have the same or even better opportunities.”

(Encourage authenticity — this is the heart of the connection.)

3. Campaign Overview
“Denison has launched the most ambitious fundraising effort in its history — five bold priorities designed to expand opportunity, elevate learning, and prepare students to launch quickly and successfully into their lives and careers without significant debt. The campaign focuses on five priorities: access and affordability, academic excellence, career launch, enhancing student life, and an alumni network for life. It’s really exciting to see how this campaign is shaping the future of our college.”

4. Call to Action
“Every gift — no matter the size — directly impacts our students and helps Denison continue to offer an exceptional education and experience. Denison has played a meaningful role in our lives and I hope you’ll join me in supporting this campaign.”

(If appropriate, share giving options: online, on-site pledge, QR code, etc.)

6. Closing and Gratitude
“Thank you so much for being part of the Denison community and for taking the time to learn about What We Can Be. Together we’re ensuring the next generation of Denisonians can thrive.”

(End with warmth and enthusiasm — your passion will inspire others.)

Quick Reminders for Volunteers

• Keep conversations friendly, personal, and genuine.
• Focus on your “why” — stories connect more than statistics.
• Listen — invite guests to share their own Denison memories.
• Offer campaign materials or direct them to denison.edu/campaign for more information.
• End every interaction with gratitude.

• Attendees will receive a thank you email from Denison one business day after the event
• Those who registered for the event but did not attend will receive a text message
• Volunteers will coordinate their own outreach schedule with Denison staff, which will occur approximately six weeks following the event

Here are templates that can be used. As always, please customize these messages to fit your experience!

Attendee Made a Gift

Subject: Great seeing you at the Denison Campaign Celebration!

Body:
Hi FIRST NAME,

It was great SEEING/MEETING you at the Denison Campaign Celebration in CITY. I really enjoyed learning about (something from your conversation that ties back to Denison). It reminded me how Denison’s efforts to (reference something related to the conversation that ties back to campaign priorities) are made possible by the commitment of alumni like you.

Thank you again for making your gift at the event — your support strengthens Denison’s ability to continue providing transformative experiences for our students. If you’d like to learn more about how your gift makes a difference, you can explore more here: denison.edu/campaign.

I appreciate your continued dedication to Denison and hope to see you at another event soon!

Best,
NAME

Attendee Did Not Make a Gift:

Subject: Thank you for joining us at the Denison Campaign Celebration!

Body:
Hi FIRST NAME,

It was great SEEING/MEETING you at the Denison Campaign Celebration in CITY. I really enjoyed learning about (something from your conversation that ties back to Denison). Our conversation made me think about how Denison’s work to (reference something related to the conversation that ties back to campaign priorities) is shaping the university’s future. You can learn more about that at denison.edu/campaign.

As President Weinberg shared, Denison is in a remarkably strong position — but our continued success depends on every Denisonian’s support. If you haven’t yet made your gift, please consider doing so today to help strengthen our community and future. You can make your gift here: LINK.

Thank you again for being part of this exciting moment for Denison. I look forward to seeing you at another event soon!

Best,
NAME

Denison University volunteers will receive information about other alumni to enhance their roles, including but not limited to, contact details and/or details of involvement with Denison.

Information released by Denison must be for the sole use of volunteers to support their responsibilities. Use of this information for any other purpose, including but not limited to, sharing confidential details with individuals not associated with Denison staff or volunteer programs, forwarding data electronically, saving data electronically to personal drives or folders, or using the information contained for any third party purpose (private, commercial, religious and/or political activity), and acquisition of personal banking or credit card information is strictly prohibited.

Violators of this policy will immediately be dismissed from their volunteer duties and their actions may constitute misappropriation of property.

To review the entire policy, click here.

To digitally sign and submit your agreement with the Confidentiality Policy, access it with this link.

All Denison volunteers must review and complete the Confidentiality Agreement on an annual basis to maintain status.