Pitt Athletics Deepens Donor Relationships with DonorElevate

Over the past five months, Pitt Athletics has been redefining how they connect with their most passionate supporters. In the spring of 2025, the department launched a trial of DonorElevate to deliver a more personalized and meaningful donor experience—starting with their most loyal group, the Script Society, whose members each contribute a minimum of $50,000 annually.

During this trial, Pitt Athletics leveraged DonorElevate's video messaging platform to send highly personalized messages from some of the department's most recognizable figures, including Athletic Director Allen Greene and football legend Larry Fitzgerald. The goal was clear: to ensure Script Society members felt valued, appreciated, and deeply connected to the programs they support.

🎥 Featured Video Examples

Message from Athletic Director Allen Greene

A heartfelt thank-you message from Allen Greene, emphasizing the transformative impact of donor support and Pitt Athletics' vision for the future.

Engagement Results:

Open Rate:52%

Video View Rate:84%

Legendary Connection: Larry Fitzgerald's Message to Donors

A personal message from Pitt legend Larry Fitzgerald, sharing his appreciation for donors and their role in shaping Pitt Athletics' legacy.

Engagement Results:

Open Rate:55%

Video View Rate:80%

The results of this trial were powerful. Engagement metrics confirmed that these personalized messages strengthened relationships and drove donor enthusiasm. Pitt Athletics recognized this success and decided to formally partner with DonorElevate on a one-year contract, with plans to expand beyond top-tier donors to middle- and entry-level donor segments. This expansion will allow them to activate a much broader spectrum of supporters across the department.

What's exciting about Pitt's approach is the strategic focus on the top 20% of donors who contribute 80% of fundraising revenue. By showing these supporters added value through personalized experiences, Pitt has created a replicable model that can now be scaled to additional donor groups, building a stronger and more sustainable fundraising foundation.

At DonorElevate, we're thrilled to continue this partnership and provide the tools and insights Pitt Athletics needs to maximize ROI. Together, we'll keep innovating, analyzing engagement data, and delivering high-impact experiences that inspire generosity and long-term loyalty.

A Strategic Approach to Donor Engagement

Pitt's implementation reflects the broader trends we've identified in successful athletic fundraising programs. Their approach aligns with the principles we discuss in our article about building a donor-first culture, where coaches and athletic leadership take an active role in donor relationships.

The personalized video messaging strategy that Pitt has embraced demonstrates the power of authentic communication in building stronger donor relationships. This approach has proven effective across multiple programs, as we've seen in our analysis of record-breaking fundraising years across the athletic programs we support.

Looking Ahead

As Pitt Athletics expands their engagement strategy to include middle- and entry-level donors, they're positioning themselves to create a comprehensive donor ecosystem that nurtures supporters at every level. This tiered approach to donor engagement reflects the modern reality of athletic fundraising, where every touchpoint matters in building long-term supporter loyalty.

The success of Pitt's initial trial with the Script Society provides a strong foundation for expansion. By demonstrating clear ROI and engagement improvements with their top donors, they've built the case for broader implementation across their entire donor base.