From the Nominator

The University of Iowa's Women and Philanthropy weekend was a multi-day program designed to bring a group of high-capacity donors and prospects back to campus to learn more about our institution’s premier programs. Guests covered their own travel to campus, while the university gave them hotel accommodations, meals, and programming. We partnered closely with development officers to identify women they believed would benefit from the experience and who had strong potential for deeper engagement with the university. A total of 84 women were invited, and 22 attended, far exceeding our expectations. The goals of the weekend were threefold: strengthen relationships between participants and university leaders; better understand the philanthropic interests and motivations of women donors; and gather candid feedback on how the university can more effectively recruit women as philanthropists and volunteers. Throughout the weekend, guests participated in small-group conversations with university leaders, experienced behind-the-scenes access to key academic programs, and connected with one another in a relaxed, intimate, and welcoming setting. The result was a highly engaging experience that strengthened donor relationships, generated valuable feedback, and inspired new philanthropic commitments.

From the Judges

This is a standout example of strategic, high-impact donor engagement, combining thoughtful execution, intentional women-centered framing, and authentic connection to Iowa’s female leadership. Judges noted the intimate, relationship-driven experience and strong alignment between program design, leadership access, and measurable philanthropic outcomes. Kudos for delivering results that far exceeded its scale and cost, while serving as a highly replicable model adaptable for institutions of all sizes.