What's (the big) UIDEA?

What's the (big) UIDEA might be for you if:

You have an idea.

You don't have an idea.

You don't think you have time.

You love campus innovation.

You want to build relationships.

You want your voice heard.

You want to lift up others.

You believe we can do better.

What's UIDEA?

UIDEA is a 12-week accelerator program designed to inspire innovation in how we fundraise and engage at the University of Illinois. Innovation is part of the DNA of our three Universities, so why should philanthropy be any different?

Through UIDEA, we invest in industry-changing ideas that:

Leverage leadership opportunities

Embrace changing societal or consumer needs

Introduce new ways of doing business

Tackle growth opportunities

Challenge industry assumptions or norms

Disrupt fundraising and engagement

These ideas can be donor-facing, alumni-facing, internal stakeholder-facing, etc. They can be game changing new technologies, a revamped business process, a unique take on training, or entirely new strategies or programs.

There are a variety of ways to get involved with UIDEA. Interested?

UIDEA might be for you if you've ever:

BEEN SITTING IN A MEETING AND THOUGHT...

"What if we could try __________ instead?"

Maybe you don't feel like others will think your idea is realistic. Maybe the idea on the table will get the job done sufficiently (but not spectacularly). Maybe your idea is a little riskier, but the returns could be so. much. bigger.

These are sparks. Sparks of inspiration that are worthy of investigation.

HAD A TEAM MEMBER BRING YOU AN IDEA AND YOU THOUGHT...

"This could work if only __________."

Maybe you don't have the budget or the human resources to accomplish the task. Maybe you can't think about trying this new thing because there are bigger priorities. Maybe you know of others who won't understand why this could work.

This doesn't have to be the case. We have a space to test these ideas. And to grow staff members who might, one day, be in your seat facing those "if onlys."

HEARD ABOUT AN IDEA AFTER THE FACT AND THOUGHT...

"Why didn't they speak with ___________?"

Maybe you know a thing or two about this topic because of your position. Maybe this idea is related to one of your hobbies or your background, outside of your role. Maybe you know someone who would offer powerful guidance.

This is how we uplift others. We listen. We advise. We cheer on future success. For our colleagues. For Illinois. And for the entire industry.

Can your relate? UIDEA can help.

In What's the (big) UIDEA, you'll learn:

Why innovation is important here, especially in advancement

How UIDEA is structured

What's in it for you

Where to look for idea inspiration