Fundraising Letters: Class fund directors are expected to prepare and send fundraising letters following with the master communication strategy developed by the Office of College and Alumni Relations. Because of the importance of fundraising and contact with alumni, timely and regular production of these letters is a required part of the job. CFDs' activities center on class communications: the cultivation and stewardship of classmates throughout the year, regularly communicating the financial picture of the College, engaging conversations about philanthropy for the College and connecting with peers all make for long-term success for the class funds, the Pioneer Fund, and Grinnell College.

Appeals Process: The class fund director is expected to send multiple appeal letters per year. Each CFD is strongly encouraged to personally contact all classmates with the assistance of the class fund task force.

Appeals from a friend and peer are the most effective philanthropic appeals. Giving is a personal matter, and when asked by a familiar classmate, people tend to respond by making a gift.

A CFD's primary objective is to provide a case for philanthropy and an environment in which classmates feel comfortable making gifts to the College. Class Advisors will work with donors and CFDs to make the gift-giving process simple and in accordance with donor preferences.

The relationship alumni and friends have with the College is invigorated and reinforced by peers. This relationship grows through the three necessary stages in the annual renewal of gifts: Cultivation , or the continual process of connecting people with the College and maintaining commitments to existing relationships with the school. Solicitation, the second stage, is the actual act of asking someone to make a gift. Alumni and friends demonstrate their commitment through specific actions. Charitable gifts to the College philanthropically reinforce a personal relationship with the College. These gifts establish relationships with current students. The final stage is Stewardship, or the process of thanking alumni for their commitment and showing them how much they are appreciated for making a difference in the lives of so many young people.