University of Sheffield

Turning regular giving into a movement

Challenge

Growth of the regular giving base of 1,500–1,600 donors had plateaued. To unlock new growth, Sheffield needed a stronger value proposition to increase gift value from existing givers and convert cash donors.

University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield

Solution

We created Sheffield Made, a regular giving product designed to build belonging, pride and purpose. it leveraged the city’s proud industrial heritage and invited alumni to join a community of givers helping to shape Sheffield’s future.

£

154,977

RAISED

29

NEW REGULAR
GIVERS RECRUITED
£

45,000

FIVE-YEAR
VALUE GENERATED

Result

Sheffield Made’s first outing raised £154,977 against a £150,000 target in five-year giving value. We scaled the programme further with a conversion mailing. In the first month, it recruited 29 new regular givers and generated more than £45,000 in five-year value.

Sheffield Made is now a long-term growth engine building a powerful community of committed supporters. It is admired across the Higher Education sector and is frequently cited as an example of excellence at CASE events.

University of Sheffield
“

Working with DMS on our direct mail appeals I’ve always found a seamless process. As a busy fundraiser, the support I received in project managing the appeal is invaluable. I can be confident that each appeal is in safe hands and the team has thought of everything.

Heather ClementHead of Individual Giving, University of Sheffield