CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA FOUNDATION
While Beth Hammock was Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing for the University of Montana Foundation, sh created the campaign communications plan for the largest fundraising campaign in Montana history. When the campaign concluded in 2023, the University of Montana Foundation had raised $400 million, 13% more than its goal. The Foundation’s fundraising productivity increased 150% during Beth’s tenure, and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recognized the leadership team with the Circle of Excellence Award for Overall Improvement.
Before the campaign began, the Foundation funded a rebranding of the university. Beth managed the process as a special assistant to the university’s president. The new brand platform informed the messaging of the campaign communications. Tactics included:
VIP events across the country,
A campaign film,
Gift announcements and videos recognizing principal gift donors,
A magazine-style case statement, web pages, and social media content.
The foundation newsletter and the university magazine included regular stories on campaign priorities, leadership gifts, and opportunities to connect at events.
When alum Tom Cotter made an $11 million estate commitment the University of Montana recognized him in many ways including with a gift announcement in San Francisco, where he lived. Beth Hammock planned the event and managed the rest of his stewardship plan.
Mr. Cotter responded to the recognition with a $5 million unsolicited cash gift. Now that’s a win!
Alumna Suzanne Crocker and her husband Bruce made a lead gift for a new building for the Montana Museum of Art and Culture. Beth Hammock produced this video to inspire giving to the museum fund. After a successful fundraising campaign, the new museum opened in 2023.
Beth Hammck produced this video to build support for a scholarship initiative at the beginning of the comprehensive campaign. Donors contributed $61 million in support of the initiative in two years, $11 million over the goal.
One of the most memorable aspects of this video is three generations meeting to talk about scholarships. One donor provided the scholarship for a younger alum who funded a scholarship for a current student. The alumni flew in for the interview.