Staff SpotLight - Andrew Dame

The average annual gift to UNC is usually less than $100. What impact can a $100 really make? It’s not what one $100 gift can do - it’s what 6,000 $100 gifts can do.

Hello, my name is Andrew Dame and I am the Director of Annual Giving at the University of Northern Colorado Foundation. When people ask me, “So, what do you do?” I usually give them the short answer – I help raise money for scholarships, programs and buildings at UNC. The long answer is - I am responsible for the acquisition and management of nearly 90% of the donors and gifts to UNC every year through direct mail, telephone, the web and sometimes face-to-face solicitations.

The first response I usually get is, “That must be a hard job.” And it is, but it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. There are so many people who want to make a difference. Not everyone has a lot to give and may feel like the size of their gift wouldn’t really matter. The average annual gift to UNC is usually less than $100. “What impact can a $100 really make?” It’s not what one $100 gift can do - it’s what 6,000 $100 gifts can do. Through the Annual Giving Programs, every gift of every size is important and makes an impact.

The conversation inevitably leads into, “So, why do you do it?” Everyone has their own story, such as – “Without the private support of scholarships, I wouldn’t have been the first member of my family to attend and graduate from college.” My story is by no means unique, without UNC’s annual donors, many of the students I meet everyday wouldn’t be here. I know firsthand the gratitude and appreciation these students and their families have for the opportunities and support private donors have supplied.

I believe that everyone with the desire to earn a degree should have the opportunity. I also believe that everyone who supports student scholarships and programs should be able to do so knowing that their gift of any size is appreciated - and truly makes a difference in the lives of our students – because it does.

The conversation switches tone to a mix between,”How can I get a job like that?” and “Are you going to ask me for money, now?”

My answer, “I like my job too much, but we have plenty of volunteer opportunities and funding needs. Now, let’s talk about how and where you can make a difference.”