Building a Foundation for Growth with Chicago State University

Chicago State University is a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) committed to equity, excellence, and community impact. After nearly closing in 2016 due to state budget cuts, the university has worked hard to rebuild. But with a small advancement team and limited time, resources, and expertise, they struggled to reengage alumni and build a more sustainable future.

With limited capacity and growing goals, the team needed to think and work differently. They looked to a strategic partner who could scale and improve their annual giving efforts—running more sophisticated campaigns than they could manage alone. This would allow them to deepen alumni connections, grow the donor pipeline, and free up staff to focus on major gifts, donor relationships, and campus engagement.

In year one, CSU has built a more consistent and strategic annual giving program—expanding alumni reach, increasing donor participation, and improving visibility. Digital outreach helped reconnect lapsed donors and engage new ones. With that foundation in place, the team is now planning its first giving day and expanding stewardship to support long-term growth.