The Middle Georgia State University (MGA) Foundation has been selected to receive a $50,000 grant to strengthen alumni and fundraising initiatives.  

Awarded by the University System of Georgia (USG) Foundation, the Capacity-Building grant will directly support MGA’s efforts in alumni engagement, donor stewardship, impact reporting, and professional development training, which play a key role in ensuring the University’s continued growth.  

"We are honored to announce the receipt of this generous grant from the USG Foundation, which will bolster MGA’s alumni initiatives,” said Nancy White, vice president for University Advancement. “This funding represents a fundamental piece of the college experience for our students beyond graduation - creating significant, long-lasting connections that help to advance their academic and professional careers. 

“This grant will help our institution strengthen relationships within our alumni community, showcase their meaningful impact within the region, and elevate professional growth opportunities for our dedicated staff to increase alumni outreach and fundraising.” 

As part of its initiatives, the MGA Foundation will use the $50,000 grant to obtain innovative software to strengthen the University’s alumni base, building a more active and engaged community of Knights. That effort has proved challenging in the past, as MGA’s network of alumni spans several generations from two institutions since the consolidation of Macon State College and Middle Georgia College in 2012.  

To increase alumni participation and philanthropic investments, the University will use the new software to locate and reconnect with alumni from over the years through generated reports that will segment alumni by industries, job positions, characteristics, preferences, and behaviors. These categorized reports will help University Advancement customize communication and outreach efforts, special events, and valuable networking opportunities to better fit the new generation of alumni's specific needs and interests and, in turn, increase loyalty, participation, and donations. 

MGA will also use the grant to purchase equipment and provide professional development opportunities for University Advancement staff members, including Amy Tarpley, the University’s new director of Alumni Relations. For Advancement to implement stronger outreach strategies, MGA will invest in proper training and provide the necessary equipment for success, including new technology, software, and an array of materials for special events to increase fundraising efforts. Staff will benefit from conferences that will educate and prepare them with training tailored to help them develop practical strategies to improve fundraising and alumni relations while building upon their own network of peers to help encourage and discuss future strategies.  

MGA firmly believes that alumni relations play an integral role in both student and institutional success. Students must be inspired by learning practices that promise significant rates of program completion, career-ready credentials, and an alumni base engaged in giving, service, and leadership. This USG Foundation grant will allow the University to continue to achieve its goals, meet the ongoing needs of the campus community, and remain a change agent for the state while building a stronger identity. 

“With these resources, we are poised to not only enhance our capabilities but also foster a culture of continuous engagement that will resonate University-wide," said White.