Location
Mississippi State, MS
Sector
Education

Mississippi State University (MSU) completed its most successful fundraising year in its history in FY23 (which also broke the state’s single-year fundraising record), far exceeding expectations. MSU raised $259.9 million.

The success in the last fiscal year was largely attributed to over 20,000 contributors and an alumni participation rate of more than 19 percent, well above the national average of 8 percent. Over 6,000 individuals were first-time contributors, and more than $5.3 million was the result of gifts of $1,000 or less.

MSU has valued its decades-long partnership with BWF, which goes back over 20 years, and the company’s industry-wide perspective and collective expertise. Time and again, MSU has turned to BWF for general fundraising counsel, prospect development, annual giving services, campaign planning and counsel, system selection, analytics, and more.

“Our collaboration with BWF meant that we were given assurance in partnering with an organization that is well-attuned to the dynamic fundraising environment. BWF’s extensive range of accessible resources and the harmonious synergy we share as partners has been key to our success.”
Cathy Lammons
Executive Director, Communication and Donor Relations • Mississippi State University

Current ongoing fundraising counsel has focused on prospect development, guidance on system enhancements, major gift officer training, and collective strategic planning for future fundraising endeavors. Among the benefits to MSU was an RFP for a new CRM system, which led to a smooth vendor selection and successful conversion in 2023.

MSU has experienced unprecedented growth and success in recent years thanks to the generosity of its valued constituents. The University values the ongoing counsel that has helped it achieve this impressive growth.