For educational institutions, engaging students in philanthropy is an important first step in developing a lifelong relationship with alumni. It requires a strategic, structured approach that begins early on and spans their entire academic journey. Waiting until senior year is too late. That’s why it is so important to prepare a plan that teaches and involves students all four years that they’re on campus. Here’s a model to help you think about how to do this.

Year 1: Build Awareness
The first year is about laying the foundation. It’s the ideal time to introduce students to concepts like giving back and institutional advancement. This can be accomplished in simple ways like sending them a welcome gift from the Annual Fund or incorporating relevant content through social media and campus events.

Year 2: Encourage Participation
As students settle into campus life, institutions should create opportunities for active involvement in philanthropic initiatives. Engagement at this stage fosters a deeper understanding of the impact of giving. Hosting student philanthropy events introduces interactive giving experiences, while encouraging participation in fundraising efforts—such as Giving Days or student-led crowdfunding campaigns—helps reinforce a culture of giving.

Year 3: Promote Leadership
By the third year, students should move from participants to advocates and contributors. Recruiting them to be involved as committee members, phonathon callers or “philanthropy ambassadors” not only strengthens peer influence, but prepares them to be future alumni volunteers. Encouraging students to write thank-you notes or create appreciation videos for donors helps cultivate gratitude.

Year 4: Inspire a Tradition of Giving
The final year is the most critical in transitioning students from engaged participants to actual donors. This is the moment to instill a sense of responsibility and tradition in giving back. Launching a senior gift campaign is a great way to encourage students to make their first donation, while recognition opportunities—such as donor appreciation events or exclusive graduation perks—leave a lasting impression. As graduation approaches, increasing the number of communications related to giving opportunities and alumni engagement programs ensures a smooth transition into lifelong philanthropic involvement.

By implementing a structured four-year engagement plan, institutions and their annual giving programs can begin to develop a culture of philanthropy that not only excites students today but continues to involve them long after graduation. Doing so will also strengthen long-term alumni engagement and build a strong base of sustainable philanthropic support for years to come.

Want to learn more? Watch this webinar on the Fundamentals of Student Giving. FREE for AGN Members.