The landscape
As the only major university system in the state, the University of Nebraska offers an expansive array of programs in addition to running a successful Big Ten athletics program. For more than 30 years, the university and GG+A have been navigating the evolving philanthropic needs of its Foundation – the fundraising arm of the university. Over this time, the Foundation has grown from a small shop of talented fundraisers to a well-organized and very successful major foundation.
The solution
GG+A first worked with the University of Nebraska Foundation in 1990, at the outset of its first major capital campaign. Along the way, GG+A delivered a full suite of philanthropic consulting services, drawing especially on our deep experience with fundraising foundations and their optimal operation. In that time, GG+A has provided counsel to three capital campaigns spanning the entire University of Nebraska system, which consists of four campuses in addition to a medical campus in Omaha. Most recently, GG+A provided support for a campaign that addresses the multitude of needs at funding priorities at Nebraska, all the while maintaining a consistent message and brand, is a challenge that GG+A is uniquely positioned to address.
The result
Our work with the University of Nebraska has required adaptability and a breadth of knowledge. While this alliance began with the university’s first major campaign closed at $724M, its most recent campaign, “Campaign for Nebraska – Unlimited Possibilities,” closed in 2014 at $1.8 billion – 50% beyond its original $1.2 billion target. Over the course of this relationship, GG+A has deployed its full suite of solutions in service of the university and its units and remains a go-to partner for any philanthropic issue the Foundation encounters.