Summer School: Donor Stewardship: Getting Viral and Vocal

Our second Summer School session addresses something that's on everyone's minds right now: how to fundraise in the COVID-19 era.

When COVID-19 forced us to salvage and redirect our development activities, we faced new challenges with stewardship.  We need to reshape and reinvigorate the ways we acknowledge, recognize, and communicate with our donors.  For example, the intimate gatherings and special receptions to engage and recognize our donors have been postponed indefinitely. 

What can be done to achieve similar outcomes?  

Three museum professionals will discuss low-cost and no-cost, ongoing and new efforts in response to COVID-19 to include in your long-term stewardship plan.  Representing small and larger institutions, the presenters include a part-time consultant, a team member of a three-person development office, and a curator who shares development responsibilities at a museum with no dedicated fundraising staff. 

The panel will be organized with brief statements followed by questions and discussion with the audience. It will be of interest to historic organizations grappling with similar concerns and shared experiences.

Participants:

• Megan Olver, Manager of Membership & Annual Fund, Hill-Stead Museum
  
• John Avignone, Development Consultant, American Clock & Watch Museum, Bristol
• Nick Foster, Associate Curator & Museum Administrator, Wilton Historical Society

Sponsor: SandorMax is a creative agency that works with cultural organizations, museums, and municipalities to promote culture, history, and tourism. Our creative services include strategic planning, marketing, design, digital, and full-service museum exhibit designs.