This is a fantastically engaging set of videos celebrating the birthdays of some of Durham's closest and most supportive donors. Since it was impossible to travel to congratulate long-term supporters and members of the Computer Science Advisory Board on milestone birthdays in 2020, these videos were produced with thought and care, and with no budget for professional support.
Content was created by Senior Development Manager Lauren Bradshaw using iMovie, and makes use of existing photographs and messages filmed on campus by advancement staff academics. The programme was used to steward existing donations and showcase their impact, inspire nostalgia, and raise awareness of the opening of our new Mathematical and Computer Science Building. The personal nature of these videos was key to their success: for example, in a video to a donor who supported investment in some new audio-visual equipment, the principal of his college pans to a brand new screen spelling out “Happy Birthday.”
These videos offered a warm and engaging way to steward donors during the pandemic, and have resulted in positive and productive conversations, and a strengthening of existing relationships.
From the Judges
Charming, authentic, not overly produced, facilitating a direct connection between the donor and the fundraiser. This could easily be replicated at other institutions. It showcases a technology that pretty much everyone has in their pocket, whether their institution is wealthy or not.
