Caravans take center stage

Coaching caravans have become a rite of spring for many collegiate athletic departments. Development officers find themselves traveling to alumni hot-spots in and around their home state in an effort to reach out to fans, friends, and donors of the athletic department. Typically, coaches are invited to drive attendance, increase excitement and provide an insider perspective on their team and the upcoming season.

Caravans are a common practice among many schools. Three schools that have regularly employed this practice include Purdue University, the University of Louisville, and Ohio University. All three schools kicked off their caravans in late April and will host events through the month June.

The nature of these events is less about solicitation and more cultivation and stewardship driven. Development officers leverage coaches to create a positive environment at each event, emphasizing optimism and promise about the upcoming season. Guests are often encouraged to bring friends and fans who are not currently members of the fund raising club in an effort to attract new donors in the midst of the exciting event atmosphere. Likewise, current donors are recognized and given a chance to interact on a more personal level with coaches and administration.

In the current economic climate similar events, which typically do not directly solicit donations, are often cut. Although, judging by the number of schools in the midst of a caravan-type series of events, it seems these events have proven worthwhile in the eyes of most athletic departments and will continue to play a key role in their development efforts.

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Matt Kirinovic