Fundraising and HBCUs

How We Work

Other Services

A Little Bit of History

HBCUs We Have Worked With

“HBCUs provide a specific population with the opportunity and dreams that are needed for individuals and the larger community to take advantage of the opportunities provided by our country”

– Dr. James Renick, Vice President, American Council on Education - read more

At Saad & Shaw we have a long history of working with historically black colleges and universities. We understand the culture and history of HBCUs and the critical niche they fulfill. We are experienced at positioning these institutions to attract funds. We have over 30 years experience working with over 16 HBCUs, the Texas Association of Developing Colleges and the United Negro College Fund.

We understand the constraints many HBCUs operate under. And we know their assets.  Strong relationships. Successful alumni. Local and regional economic impact. We help our clients address their fundraising challenges while they raise money. We build capacity.

We understand the history of HBCUs and their impact. We also understand that the philanthropic marketplace requires an emphasis on the future, not the past. We understand the concerns and interests of prospective donors and partners and help you focus on meeting their requirements as you reach your fundraising objectives.
 

How We Work

When we work with an HBCU we do our homework. We learn all about your institution. We use our research to create your fund development plan. Your roadmap. Your guide to increasing annual giving, attracting major gifts, or implementing a capital campaign

If you choose to work with Saad & Shaw we are ready to become part of your team. We are available to help guide the day-to-day activities that are the foundation of successful fund development and fundraising. We can help you build a team of fund raisers for today and the future. With our help, fund development and fundraising can become a part of the very culture of your HBCU.
 

Other Services

While we believe in planning and executing from a plan, we also understand that sometimes things arise that must be addressed right away. Has your campaign stalled? Do you need to get it back on track? Does your board need training in the area of fundraising? Do you need to redesign your special events to lower costs and increase revenue, partnerships and volunteer engagement? Is morale low? Do you need to put the fun back in fundraising? Call on us.

A Little Bit of History

At Saad & Shaw the processes we use with our clients grow out of our experience working with HBCUs and majority institutions. We have blended our knowledge of the private sector and the educational marketplace to create a unique brand of fundraising that combines marketing with fundraising fundamentals.

We have refined and further developed the many strategies that co-founder Mel Shaw created as Executive Director of the Texas Association of Developing Colleges (TADC) and as Vice President of Marketing for the UNCF. Co-founder Pearl Shaw’s strength as a writer, strategist and businesswoman allow us to provide our clients with easy-to-use step-by-step guidelines that break down detailed processes into action steps that can be picked up and used by our clients.

We are known for designing innovative fundraising programs that increase revenue, strengthen partnerships and provide value to all parties. We look at more than what your college or university needs. We also look at what a prospective donor would want from a partnership with your institution. We know how to engage diverse leadership in supporting HBCUs. We know how to create mutually-beneficial partnerships with businesses and corporations.

As the Executive Director for TADC Mel Shaw figured out how to engage African American individuals, families and organizations in giving when others said it couldn’t be done. Working for UNCF he charted new territory by creating partnerships with America’s largest corporations to the benefit of the UNCF, member colleges and students.

Today we create strategies and processes that engage leadership from all backgrounds in supporting HBCUs. We know there is no substitute for the unique environment of an HBCU and the role these institutions play in educating African American students from all walks of life. We know that HBCUs do what other institutions cannot do as they graduate 75% more of their African American students than other schools do. We help our clients invite others to join them in this success as volunteer fundraisers.

We help our clients build their fundraising capacity and infrastructure using existing staff where possible. We orient board members and trustees to their roles and responsibilities in the area of fundraising. We work closely with board chairs and presidents. We listen and we coach. We don’t believe in limitations. We believe in your mission. Our mission is your success.

HBCU’s We Have Worked With

• Allen University

• Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

• Dillard University

• Elizabeth City State University

• Huston-Tillotson College

• Lane College

• LeMoyne-Owen College

• Morgan State University

• North Carolina A&T University

• Paine College

• Shorter College

• South Carolina State University

• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

• University of the Virgin Islands

• Texas Association of Developing Colleges

• United Negro College Fund