My Fundraising Playbook: How I Became a Two-Time Top 10 Fundraising Director of Athletics & What I Learned From Leading Record-Setting Campaigns
When I look back on my career, being honored twice as a Top 10 Fundraising Director of Athletics nationally stands out not because of the recognition itself, but because it represents years of intentional strategy, relationship-building, and a deep belief in the power of athletics to transform lives.
Fundraising Begins With Vision
Every successful campaign starts with clarity. People don’t give to uncertainty — they give to direction. In every role I’ve held, I’ve worked to establish a compelling vision rooted in student success, program advancement, and institutional mission.
Fundraising becomes significantly more powerful when donors can see:
Where the program is heading
Why the project matters
How their gift changes lives
Vision is the starting point for everything.
Creating Momentum Through Storytelling
Numbers do not move donors — stories do. I’ve always made it a priority to share the real, personal impact of athletics:
A student-athlete who’s the first in their family to attend college
A program in need of improved resources
A coach building a culture of character and competitiveness
A facility project that elevates both recruiting and community pride
Fundraising is not simply a transaction. It is storytelling with purpose.
Building a Culture of Philanthropy
Being a two-time national Top 10 honoree happened because fundraising became embedded in the culture of every department I led. Coaches, staff, administrators, and campus leaders all understood their role in advancing the mission.
I believe in empowering coaches with tools and training so they can participate confidently in advancement efforts. I believe in transparency with donors so they understand exactly how their support will be used. And I believe in celebrating every gift — not just the largest ones.
Relationships Over Revenue
My success in fundraising has always come down to one thing: relationships. I spend time getting to know donors personally, not just professionally. I listen more than I speak. I want to understand their passions, interests, values, and experiences.
Fundraising is not “asking for money.” It is inviting someone to join a mission that aligns with their beliefs.
Strategic Execution & Results
I approach fundraising with the discipline of a coach preparing for competition. Every campaign includes:
A clear game plan
A defined list of prospects
Personalized cultivation strategies
Strong follow-up
Thoughtful stewardship
Results follow preparation, organization, and commitment.
What I Learned
Being recognized twice nationally reinforced a principle I’ve carried throughout my career: when you put students first and build honest relationships, fundraising becomes not just successful — but transformative.
It’s not about the accolades. It’s about the legacy we create for student-athletes, programs, and the institution. To learn more about my background or other articles, click the links below:
https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/about https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/articles
