Higher education fundraising has long been built on the traditional model of individual major gift officer goals—where fundraisers work independently within assigned colleges, programs, or initiatives. While this structure has its merits, it can also create silos, limits collaboration, and hinders the ability to align fundraising efforts with broader institutional priorities. 

At the West Chester University Foundation, we saw an opportunity to rethink this approach. In fiscal year 2025, our frontline fundraising team (four major gift officers) transitioned to a team-based fundraising model, breaking down barriers between major gift officers and fostering a culture of shared success. By shifting our mindset from individual achievement to collective impact, we not only strengthened internal collaboration but also enhanced our donor-centric approach, increased institutional buy-in, and elevated our overall fundraising performance.

Modeled as an interactive, fact-based case study, this session will explore how WCU Foundation successfully reimagined traditional major gift fundraising goals. We will provide attendees with actionable insights to reimagine traditional fundraising goals and unlock new opportunities for long-term success in higher education advancement.