Development Committee (Major Gifts)
The Development Committee is responsible for securing the financial support necessary to sustain and grow the Information Technology History Society. Using the term “development” in its nonprofit sense, this committee focuses on building relationships with individuals and institutions capable of making significant contributions, and on communicating ITHS’s mission and plans in a clear, compelling way.
- Identify and engage potential donors
- Leverage personal networks to identify individuals and organizations with capacity and interest
- Focus on communities likely to align with ITHS’s mission, including:
- retired senior executives
- exited founders and entrepreneurs
- venture capital and investment professionals
- Prioritize relationship-based outreach rather than mass appeals
- Articulate the ITHS story and case for support
- Communicate ITHS’s mission, values, and long-term vision clearly and credibly
- Define and explain specific “asks,” including use-of-proceeds for donations
- Work with the Board to ensure messaging is accurate, consistent, and compelling
- Support grants and institutional funding
- Welcome committee members with experience in grant-writing or foundation relationships
- Identify grant opportunities aligned with ITHS priorities
- Assist with proposal development when appropriate
- Ensure appropriate donor recognition and stewardship
- Define how and when donors are acknowledged on the website or in publications
- Coordinate with other committees to ensure recognition is accurate and respectful
- Help maintain long-term relationships with supporters
- Evaluate fundraising programs and experiments
- Consider whether to continue, revise, or retire initiatives such as a “sponsor a page” program
- Assess effectiveness and alignment with ITHS’s mission and culture