Clarke University Case Study

Overview

Clarke University, a four-year NAIA institution in Dubuque, Iowa, is dedicated to enhancing the student-athlete experience while maintaining operational efficiency. With the goal of expanding athletic fundraising and reaching new donors, Clarke turned to eTeamSponsor. Since partnering, the university has raised $471,000 in total, including $100,000 in 2024 alone, across 14 different sports and activities programs.

The Challenge

Prior to eTeamSponsor, Clarke’s fundraising system required extensive setup, manual updates, and regular training—placing a strain on a small advancement team. Clarke needed a scalable, low-lift solution that could:

• Automate outreach and communication

• Expand their donor base

• Deliver measurable, sustained fundraising growth

The Solution

eTeamSponsor provided a digital, donor-centric platform that met Clarke’s needs head-on. Its automated, low-maintenance system made launching and running campaigns simple for staff and engaging for donors.

• Streamlined onboarding and campaign setup

• Minimal time commitment from coaches and university staff

• Automated emails and outreach tools to engage potential donors

• Real-time donor insights to strengthen future fundraising strategy

The Results

• $471,000 raised since the partnership began

• $100,000 raised in 2024 alone

• 14 programs supported, from major sports to other student activities

• 187% growth in athletics fundraising compared to previous systems

• Consistent increase in new donors each semester

  The results speak to both the fundraising efficiency and the long-term impact on program sustainability.

Client Testimonials

Roberto Dominguez, Director of Advancement, Clarke University:

“As the Director of Advancement Services at Clarke University, I continually strive to optimize our fundraising efforts while carefully managing our resources. When seeking a solution to streamline our athletics fundraising, I encountered eTeamSponsor. Compared to our previous system, eTeamSponsor offered a refreshing approach that required minimal setup, updates, and training, alleviating the strain on our limited resources.

Choosing eTeamSponsor has proven to be a pivotal decision. Our athletics fundraising has seen remarkable growth, with a staggering 187% increase, and the trend continues upwards. What’s particularly noteworthy is the influx of new donors, a trend that refreshes with each passing semester.

One of the standout features of eTeamSponsor is its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities. With minimal effort on the part of Clarke staff, we’ve been able to maintain consistent communication with potential donors, effectively nurturing these relationships and increasing conversion rates.

As we enter our fourth year of partnership with eTeamSponsor, we look ahead with confidence and enthusiasm. The reliability, efficiency, and effectiveness of their support have been instrumental in our success, and we eagerly anticipate many more years of collaboration.”

Looking Ahead

With each campaign, Clarke continues to elevate its fundraising efforts—empowering more teams, connecting with more donors, and enhancing the student experience. The university is committed to building on this momentum and deepening its collaboration with eTeamSponsor in the years to come.

Join the Winning Team

Clarke University’s success demonstrates how eTeamSponsor’s platform can revolutionize fundraising for athletic departments and university programs. Want to see how eTeamSponsor can help your institution? Learn more at www.eteamsponsor.com.