Success in Grateful Client Philanthropy: Insights from Veterinary Faculty at North Carolina State University

The veterinary literature contains few publications or empiric research on the impact of grateful client philanthropy. To improve our understanding of the impact of philanthropy on veterinary medicine, we surveyed the faculty at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This qualitative study involved an anonymous survey of 153 North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members administered and analyzed through an online survey software program, QualitrixXMTM. 33% (51) of faculty responded to the survey. 73% (37) of the respondents indicated that their personal interactions with clients led to gifts to their research or service and 29% (15) indicated that they have received six or more gifts from their interactions with clients of the hospital. The top three examples of direct beneficial impacts from grateful client giving were research support (13.1%), technological improvements and equipment upgrades (10.5%), and professional development (4.6%). The top three negative impacts of faculty interactions with a grateful client program were the perceived need to address the overwhelming needs of the donor (19%), the faculty’s concerns regarding the owner’s higher expectations of service (7.1%) and time (7.1%). 61.9% of the respondents did not note any negative impacts. Top three responses to donor inquiries regarding philanthropic giving were to direct the client to a development officer (76%), discuss gift opportunities with the client (45.1%), and discuss individual research needs and opportunities (19.1%). Overall, faculty reported positive impact with grateful patient philanthropy. Continued development and understanding of the philanthropic process is recommended to maximize donor support of academic medical efforts.