UCCS Advancement

Partner with us - Fundraising

Advancement & Engagement is here to help connect donors' passions with meaningful opportunities at UCCS. Whether you have a donor who wants to give, an idea for a fundraising project, or questions about how fundraising works, we're happy to help. 

Fundraising is most successful when it is a partnership between campus units and Advancement. Together, we can ensure donor interests are honored, fundraising efforts are coordinated, and gifts have the greatest possible impact for students and programs. 

Our team can help

The fundraising team can provide support in the following areas:

  • Understand the donor's interests and philanthropic goals  

  • Align donor interests with impactful campus opportunities 

  • Ensure gifts are structured appropriately  

  • Address legal and tax items in support of the donor and campus 

  • Coordinate stewardship and donor recognition  

  • Avoid multiple campus units approaching the same donor independently, and creating donor fatigue 

Why Coordination Matters

UCCS follows a donor-centered approach to fundraising. Rather than focusing on individual departmental needs alone, we work to align a donor's passions and interests with opportunities that create meaningful impact across the university. 

Before You Engage

Before connecting with a donor, take a moment to consider these three questions/considerations to help foster a meaningful and productive interaction.
 

  1. I Have a Donor Who Wants to Give 

Has a donor, alumnus, community member, parent, faculty member, or friend of UCCS expressed interest in supporting your program? 

Please connect with Advancement before discussing gift details or creating fundraising materials. 

 

  1. I Have a Funding Need 

Do you have a project, program, or initiative that may benefit from philanthropic support? Advancement & Engagement can help you determine the best path forward. 

Crowdfunding works best if... 

Participation in giving day might be right if... 

Contact Advancement if... 

Your project is:

  • Seeking less than $5,000 to reach the goal 

  • Time-bound with a clear start and end date 

  • Project is simple to explain  

  • Supported by an existing audience willing to help spread the word 

  • Able to achieve success through many small gifts 

Your project might benefit from: 

  • Exposure to alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students and friends of UCCS 

  • A focused opportunity to share the impact of your program 

  • Friendly challenges and matching gift opportunities 

  • Coordinated marketing and communications support 

 

Your project: 

  • Requires significant philanthropic support 

  • Is part of a long-term vision 

  • Involves scholarships, academic programs, or facilities 

  • Includes outreach to philanthropic foundations 

 

> UCCS Crowdfunding User Guide  

> UCCS Crowdfunding Best Practices 

> Learn more about Carry the Light: UCCS giving day 

> Request an Advancement consultation [advancement@uccs.edu] 

 

  1. Fundraising Priorities 

The following institutional priorities are areas where Advancement & Engagement is currently focusing fundraising efforts. 

  • Scholarships & Access to Education 

  • Student Support Initiatives 

  • Engineering Building Renovation & Enhancement 

  • Achieving Matching Fundraising Efforts