Education, Public Sector

Empowering Educational Excellence by Transforming Abu Dhabi’s Academic Landscape

Government Partnership, Education Research and Development, Fundraising strategy

Client Background

Abu Dhabi based government entity that supports the UAE's social, cultural, and educational landscape.

Delivery Team
  • 1 ex-AP McKinsey (12+ years) 
  • 4 ex-McKinsey, BCG and Bain strategy consultants (5+ years) 
Deployment

Remote

Duration

6-7 months

Engagement

Objective

The client wanted to comprehend the fundraising landscape to support the launch of an MBA program in Abu Dhabi in partnership with a globally recognized Ivy League business school.

Approach

Taken

Phase 1: In-depth needs assessment and fundraising targets:

  • Conducted an in-depth analysis to understand specific fundraising needs, inclusive of setting an aspirational fundraising target after assessing the funding gap over the first 10 years of MBA program operations.
  • Evaluated and benchmarked diverse methods to bridge the fundraising gap, recommending a multi-year contract approach with annual disbursements that aligned seamlessly with the client's objectives. 
  • Developed donor profiles based on efforts required, client leadership involvement, and offer design flexibility. Recommended focusing on the most suitable profile mix for targeted fundraising outreach, ensuring optimal engagement and support. 

Phase 2: Robust benefits framework for potential donors: 

  • Curated an extensive list of assets for tangible and non-tangible donor benefits including the value proposition for potential contributors such as brand uplift, networking opportunities, exclusive access to school’s talent and resources, etc. 
  • Quantified the total value of benefits available for strategic positioning in donor engagement. 
  • Defined exemplary bespoke benefits mix for different partnership tiers and profiles, selectively offering high-value benefits to long-term partners and higher contributors, maximizing the appeal and impact of these partnerships.  
     

Phase 3: Strategic Donor Filtration and Shortlisting  

  • Used a two-stage filtration process to shortlist potential donors from the local and global market based on strategic alignment and likelihood to donate.  

Phase 4: Active outreach strategy development and recruitment of the advisory Board

  • Identified guiding principles for approaching potential donors such as securing leadership buy-in initially for strategic alignment. 
  • Developed a timeline for fundraising exercise alongside focusing on Advisory Board recruitment for the initial months.
  • Outline milestones for the outreach exercise enabling goal achievement and progress tracking.

Impact

Created

  • Supported in establishing an Ivy League business school in the Middle East, giving ambitious students access to a global business and finance centre and the opportunity to begin their post-MBA careers in the MENA region.  
  • Supported the strategy team in developing a long-term financial plan in bringing up an elite business school.

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StrategyConnect deploys specialized talent on demand. We are one of the largest networks of independent consultants and industry experts driving the adoption of flexible workforce in the Middle East.

Copyright @ 2024 StrategyConnect Inc. All Rights Reserved.

StrategyConnect deploys specialized talent on demand. We are one of the largest networks of independent consultants and industry experts driving the adoption of flexible workforce in the Middle East.

Copyright @ 2024 StrategyConnect Inc. All Rights Reserved.