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Maria Morrison

Senior Analyst, Strategic Research

Areas of Expertise
  • Advancement
  • Alumni Relations
  • Fundraising
Washington, DC
Specialties
  • Annual Giving
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Major and Principal Gifts
  • Mid-Level Giving
  • Organizational Design
Connect with Maria

Background

Maria Morrison is a senior analyst with the Advancement Forum. She conducts best practice research related to principal giving, annual giving, and mid-level giving. In Maria’s time at EAB, she has conducted research on engaging international alumni and prospects, staffing models and organizational structures for international fundraising, diverse alumni volunteers, and talent acquisition with a fo

Maria Morrison is a senior analyst with the Advancement Forum. She conducts best practice research related to principal giving, annual giving, and mid-level giving. In Maria’s time at EAB, she has conducted research on engaging international alumni and prospects, staffing models and organizational structures for international fundraising, diverse alumni volunteers, and talent acquisition with a focus on diverse and transferable skills candidates.

Prior to joining EAB, Maria was an elementary school teacher and studied education in both undergrad and graduate school. In her free time, Maria enjoys cooking, try new restaurants, and traveling.

Education

Maria holds a master of science degree in education policy from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Furman University.

Research and Insights

To attract the best and brightest future graduates, many advancement teams have launched student internship programs. Yet many graduates don’t continue on to work for their alma mater. It’s no surprise: The competition to hire these promising graduates is tough. This competition can lead to a low return on investment (ROI), most frequently measured by…

Millennials are a tricky donor population. They’re tough to acquire in the first place, and once they do give, they often fail to renew. To lift retention rates and develop long-term giving habits, advancement leaders look to donor relations staff to deepen relationships to the institution and underscore the case for giving. Yet many of…

Use this tool to assess and identify gaps in current stewardship offerings, and implement relevant best practices to move donors along the pipeline. By Maria Morrison To move donors through the pipeline over time, advancement teams need effective stewardship offerings. Institutions that fail to cultivate and advance their pipeline donors, especially those giving mid-level gifts…