Graduate School of Design

The Harvard Graduate School of Design is the preeminent school for degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Design. The school seeks dedicated, talented students to pursue solutions to the global challenges of social justice, climate change, urbanism, and housing—regardless of their financial background.

The GSD Development and Alumni Relations team worked with Studio Rainwater to design ambitious campaigns that support fundraising efforts for student scholarships, leading edge teaching and research, and global impact.

Because of the design-aware audience, many of whom are luminaries in their fields, it has been imperative that all outreach is of the highest quality, boldly highlighting the important work of students and faculty. We worked with the GSD team over the course of several years to develop cohesive annual campaigns, event designs, and reports for alumni and donors.

The campaigns have resulted in a marked increase in fundraising, including a 40% increase in donations as a direct result of the 2017 Annual Giving campaign. The campaign received a bronze CASE Excellence Award in 2018, which recognizes innovative work in educational fundraising and special events.

The campaigns have enhanced alumni and donor engagement with the school, adding at least 90 new members donor societies each year, and providing financial aid to over 650 students per year.