The importance of training and inspiring Foundation Board Members, alumni and volunteers to act as ambassadors of College cannot be overstated. Often times, however, we tend to overlook another critical group. Few people are better equipped to share powerful stories about student successes than faculty and staff.

The problem is they often times don’t realize how well equipped they are to serve as an ambassador or how easy it can be for them to play an active role in supporting your foundation’s philanthropic endeavors. Here are three ways a blog written just for faculty and staff can turn them into your foundation’s greatest ambassadors.

Educate

A blog is a great way to provide “training” in a digestible format to inspire and equip faculty to engage their existing social and professional network. They know the impact your college has on a student’s life better than anyone. A blog is a great starting point to give them the tools and confidence they need to share their personal stories with your community.

Give Back

Chances are, they already know all about your foundation’s work because they’ve been on the receiving end of numerous pledge cards and event invitations. A blog just for them is a great way to give back by recognizing and honoring faculty contributions among their peer group. Just like donors – because in many cases they are – faculty and staff should be regularly acknowledged.

Empower

Give faculty a staff a say in the subject matter of your blog. Chances are, if it’s on one person’s mind it’s on a lot of minds. Maybe they have questions about what to do if they have a friend who might want to endow a scholarship. Perhaps they want to know about the Foundation’s investment policies. There may even be a miss understanding to address. Whatever the case, embrace the opportunity to let faculty and staff drive the conversation. It’s a great way to create a productive and transparent dialogue about the important role your foundation plays in advancing your college’s mission.

Keep an eye out for a follow-up post with tips and tricks to ensure faculty and staff actually want to read your blog. Here’s a teaser: “Be Consistent”.