Alumni-engagement strategy proposal: Free template

Alumni-engagement strategy proposal: Free template

Customize this free alumni-engagement strategy proposal with Cobrief

Open this free alumni-engagement strategy proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your institution’s size, alumni base, and engagement goals. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.

Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.

This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching strategic alumni engagement services to colleges, universities, private schools, or alumni associations. Whether you're strengthening alumni networks, improving donor conversion, or launching new initiatives, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.

What is an alumni-engagement strategy proposal?

An alumni-engagement strategy proposal outlines your plan to build, activate, and strengthen relationships between an institution and its alumni. It typically includes audience segmentation, communication channels, engagement opportunities, technology recommendations, and performance metrics.

This type of proposal is commonly used:

  • When institutions want to revamp stagnant alumni programs or launch new outreach efforts
  • To improve alumni participation in events, mentorships, or fundraising
  • In preparation for a capital campaign or anniversary milestone

It helps the client foster long-term affinity, brand loyalty, and support from their alumni community.

A strong proposal helps you:

  • Align engagement efforts with institutional goals like giving, reputation, or enrollment
  • Show how data and segmentation drive smarter outreach
  • Outline clear, scalable tactics across digital and in-person channels
  • Deliver a roadmap that can be tracked, optimized, and expanded over time

Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal

Cobrief helps you build a polished, conversion-ready proposal quickly — with AI tools that simplify writing and formatting.

  • Edit the proposal directly in your browser: Skip Word docs and PDFs — just write and customize instantly.
  • Rewrite sections with AI: Tailor content for advancement teams, alumni offices, or school leadership in one click.
  • Run a one-click AI review: Let AI catch vague strategies, unclear value props, or missed segmentation opportunities.
  • Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept edits line by line or update the full proposal at once.
  • Share or export instantly: Send your proposal through Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX version for delivery.

You’ll get to a higher-converting proposal faster — without starting from scratch every time.

When to use this proposal

Use this alumni-engagement strategy proposal when:

  • Proposing a full alumni program refresh or digital strategy overhaul
  • Supporting a fundraising or capital campaign with targeted alumni outreach
  • Launching alumni mentorship programs, ambassador networks, or volunteer councils
  • Responding to declining engagement rates or out-of-date platforms
  • Helping an institution build a sustainable year-round alumni pipeline

It’s especially useful when the client wants both a big-picture vision and step-by-step execution plan.

What to include in an alumni-engagement strategy proposal

Use this template to walk the client through your strategy, channels, and measurement plan — in plain-smart language that drives alignment.

  • Project overview: Describe the current alumni engagement challenge and how your strategy will address both short-term impact and long-term community building.
  • Audience segmentation: Outline how you’ll group alumni based on graduation year, geography, profession, past engagement, or giving history.
  • Communication channels: Define which platforms you’ll use — email, social media, alumni portals, texting, phone banking, or direct mail — and how they’ll connect.
  • Programming and content: Describe engagement opportunities — including events, reunions, webinars, mentorship programs, spotlights, or newsletters.
  • Technology and tools: Recommend systems (e.g., CRM, engagement platforms, analytics tools) or workflows that support smarter outreach and tracking.
  • Metrics and reporting: Clarify how success will be measured — participation rates, reactivation rates, giving conversions, or event attendance.
  • Timeline and phases: Break the work into phases — audit, strategy, rollout, optimization — with estimated timeframes for each.
  • Pricing: Present your fee structure — flat project rate, phased billing, or monthly support. Include optional services like content creation, training, or CRM setup.
  • Next steps: End with a clear CTA — such as approving scope, scheduling a kickoff, or sharing alumni list access.

How to write an effective alumni-engagement strategy proposal

This proposal should feel relational, strategic, and grounded in measurable outcomes — especially for advancement or external relations teams.

  • Start with the alumni, not the institution: Focus on value delivered to alumni — connection, recognition, impact — not just institutional needs.
  • Emphasize segmentation and strategy: Show how you’ll avoid generic blasts and build personalized outreach at scale.
  • Balance digital with in-person: Acknowledge different alumni preferences and life stages with hybrid tactics.
  • Reinforce sustainability: Frame the strategy as a long-term system, not a one-time campaign.
  • Show proof, not promises: Reference past wins, relevant benchmarks, or institutional case studies.
  • Always end with direction: Make the next step easy, specific, and low-friction.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I reuse this proposal for different types of institutions?

Yes — just adjust the tone, segmentation approach, and examples based on whether you’re working with a high school, college, university, or independent alumni group.

Should I include fundraising strategy in the same proposal?

Only if that’s part of your scope. You can include giving strategy as a follow-on phase or separate engagement, depending on the institution’s timeline.

What’s the best way to structure pricing?

Use a fixed fee for the strategy phase, and offer optional implementation or ongoing support packages. Avoid open-ended hourly work unless the client has a clear internal owner.

How specific should programming recommendations be?

Be specific enough to show expertise, but flexible enough to tailor later. Offer high-impact ideas (e.g., regional ambassadors, alumni spotlights) that can be customized post-approval.

Is this a binding agreement?

No — this outlines your scope and pricing. You can attach or follow up with a formal service contract once the proposal is approved.


This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.