Why Alumni Engagement Is Your Untapped Growth Engine

Introduction:

Many organizations underestimate the power of their alumni. Whether you're a school, nonprofit, or leadership program, the alumni network holds untapped potential for long-term mission impact and financial sustainability.

Body:

1. The Alumni Engagement Gap

   • Why many organizations stop engaging alumni after a program ends.

   • How this creates a "follow-up problem," a term rooted in Kurt Hahn’s philosophy.

2. The Benefits of a Strong Alumni Network

   • Mission-driven outcomes: Supporting alumni to thrive personally, professionally, and civically.

   • Social capital: Alumni as champions, mentors, and connectors for your programs.

   • Fundraising: Alumni as donors or facilitators of gifts, creating a sustainable revenue stream.

3. What Effective Engagement Looks Like

   • Highlight the three core elements of the Extended Outward Bound Model:

     1. Events & Experiences

     2. Groups & Networks

     3. Communications & Resources

4. The Impact of Doing It Right

   • A brief case study or example of a school or program that turned alumni into advocates and revenue generators (e.g., EL Education).

Conclusion:

By investing in alumni engagement, organizations not only expand their impact but unlock long-term growth. At Lilienthal Advisors, we help leaders build alumni engagement strategies that drive results.

Call to Action: Interested in learning how to activate your alumni network? Contact us to explore how the Extended Outward Bound Model can help you.