Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College, Columbia University partnered with Shaff Fundraising Group to gain insights, visualize impact and growth, and report key performance indicators for teams across their division, including omnichannel, donor relations, and major gifts. Currently ranked #1 in the country as a “Best Education School” (2023) by U.S. News and World Report, Teachers College is a leading graduate school of education.
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NOTABLE OUTCOMES
25
Visualizations created highlighting key performance indicators using CASE standards and forecast results.
15
Forecast models for donor revenue and donor count over the next
5 to10 years.
12
Standard Operating Procedures for continued adaoption, and usage.
25
Visualizations created highlighting key performance indicators using CASE standards and forecast results.
15
Forecast models for donor revene
12
Visualizations created highlighting key performance indicators using CASE standards and forecast results.
GOAL
There were three objectives. First, create highly visual reports for Teachers College to assess their performance over time across multiple teams in a division-wide accessible format using the technology available to current staff—using the latest CASE guidelines and AFP definitions in the dashboard calculations. Second, using multiple forecasts and regression models, determine the long-term forecast of the Teachers College Advancement program for donor count and revenue. Identifying if there are any causal relationships to the program’s previous success. Third, disseminate the results to Teachers College staff through presentations and visualizations to leadership and conduct team-based training sessions for a seamless post-project transition.
STRATEGY
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Understand the data structure and technology landscape at Teachers College to provide informed recommendation on calculations, data needs and future visualization updates.
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Create the dashboards and forecasts in sprints, with Teachers College reviewing the output from sprint 1 while SFG worked on sprint 2 deliverables.
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Produce standard operating procedures that meets the needs of the team at Teachers College to use in the long-term when making fiscal year updates to the projections.
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Make recommendations to Teachers College based on the familiarity with the data, the long-term needs of leadership, and best practices in the field.
RESULT
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Evaluated existing reports and data structures with key stakeholders to determine the information that is needed in the visualizations. The focus of the meetings was on maximizing efficiency while effectively transferring the critical knowledge needed.
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Assessed the data structures and their alignment with the needs of the stakeholders as well as best practice in the wider field.
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Using brand guidelines, created visualizations that are user-friendly and feature comparative data (FYTD) that adhere to CASE standards and AFP definitions.
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Structured the forecasts – time series and linear regression – based on the nuances of the data and optimize the output for end users to easily identify the right information.
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Created training tools, including a sandbox environment on a shared Teachers College platform, for long-term visualization and forecast updates by the team.
We are truly impressed with SFG's outstanding work. Their expertise in visual reports, forecasting, and recommendations has significantly boosted our advancement program. SFG's commitment to best practices and industry standards has greatly enhanced our performance insights.
