Clemson University
Creative Ways to Elevate Special Events to Grow Major Donor Relationships
Enhancing Engagement and Efficiency
Events are a strategic touchpoint for strengthening donor relationships—but many institutions struggle to digitally transform event communications and technology. When Clemson University’s Donor Relations team set out to host its first Celebration of Philanthropy—a weekend-long, multi-event experience honoring the institution’s highest-level donors and giving societies—they saw an opportunity to completely reimagine the donor journey, from the first invitation to the final farewell.
Taking their process digital provided some incredible results!
EMAIL OPEN RATE
iFOLIO OPEN RATE
AVERAGE ENGAGEMENT
The Plan & Execution | Going Digital
Key Football Game Weekend Event:
- Presidential Dinner
- Dean’s cocktail
- Alumni Shopping Fair
- Donor Impact tracks
- Gala
- Pre-game Tailgate
Hurdles
- 1st time Clemson had hosted an event of this size
- 1st time event of this nature
- First Time Digital
- Down Football Season
- Clemson is a small town & limited accommodations for traveling donors
Leveraging Logistics and Design
The ambitious program included 17 event options over several days, from a race-track experience to the President’s Dinner and Gala. Managing registration, communications, and engagement for such a complex celebration required more than traditional invitations and spreadsheets—it demanded a seamless, personalized approach.
Transformational Outcomes
Partnering with iFOLIO, Clemson implemented a hybrid creative agency + technology model built for high-touch, high-impact donor events. The solution delivered customized digital invitations, visual text reminders, and interactive itineraries—all enriched with video, animation, and dynamic content. Built-in analytics tracked engagement in real time, providing insights on RSVPs, preferences, and follow-up opportunities.
While some on the team questioned how major donors would respond to digital outreach, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive—donors praised the personalized experience, and the celebration was declared “a smashing success.”
Feedback from the Clemson Team after the Going digital with iFOLIO for their Biggest Donor Society Event of the year.
“It was our first time going digital for an event...everyone was leery about doing this beforehand.... (but after the iFOLIO’s went out) - Our donors raved about it”
Donors in the $10M+ group mentioned they loved it.
“Our internal team loved all the sites for the events”
“We were able to climb our biggest mountain now that we have shown success.”
“We could not have done any of this without your help”
Clemson Projects
