In your role as a volunteer, you will be making connections with your peers. Although asking a peer to make a gift may seem intimidating, remember that alumni are looking for ways to stay in touch, engage, and support the university. You will not be making cold calls; instead, you will be reaching out to alumni who have given gifts to Cornell previously and have indicated that they are
comfortable being contacted.

We are excited to have you begin your outreach and want you to have the tools you need to be effective and successful. Here are some important steps to consider.

Best Practices for Productive Outreach

• Make your own leadership-level gift!
• Review your assignments and background information.
• Connect with your staff liaison as needed with any questions or to request additional support.
• Be clear about why you are reaching out.
• Thank them for their past support.
• Ask each assignment for the amount specified by your staff liaison.
• When they agree to give a gift, follow up with a thank you and the giving link: cornel.ly/volunteergive25
• Thank them for their consideration, gift, and continued support.
• Send updates to your staff liaison.

Sharing Updates with Staff

Remember to take notes on your interactions with your assignments. Please share the outcome of your communication efforts with your staff contact, along with any updated information that you receive from alumni including changes in contact information, career highlights or promotions, personal life changes (marriage, children, grandchildren, retirement plans), special connections to Cornell, new philanthropic interests, and the like.