For educational institutions across the United States, cultivating alumni engagement is critical. From sustaining annual giving campaigns to funding capital projects, alumni support plays a key role in ensuring long-term success. But how do schools and universities deepen that connection in a meaningful way?
Engraved brick fundraising has emerged as a creative and effective solution. Offering alumni a chance to leave their mark quite literally on campus, this initiative goes beyond donation requests and creates a legacy. At Bricks R Us, we’ve helped thousands of schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations turn custom-engraved bricks into lasting tributes and powerful fundraising tools.
Why Engraved Bricks Work for Schools and Universities
1. Tangible Legacy for Alumni
Engraved bricks offer a tangible, lasting symbol of alumni pride. Whether installed on walkways, plazas, or walls, these personalized bricks transform into public testaments of commitment, friendship, and shared memories.
Psychological research in behavioral economics supports this concept: people are more likely to donate when they can “name” their contribution and tie it to their identity (Ariely, Bracha, & Meier, 2009). An engraved brick accomplishes exactly that, turning an anonymous donor into a remembered contributor.
2. Highly Customizable and Cost-Effective
Unlike traditional fundraising campaigns that require high up-front costs and complicated logistics, brick fundraising offers incredible flexibility. With Bricks R Us, there are:
- No upfront costs
- Free shipping
- Free donor sites and templates
- Multiple brick styles, colors, and sizes
- Installation versatility (horizontal or vertical)
This makes it easy for schools to get started and keep the campaign going year-round or build it around key events like reunions or anniversaries.
3. Boosts Community Engagement
A successful school fundraiser doesn’t just engage alumni, it energizes the entire school community. Parents, teachers, retirees, and even local businesses often choose to contribute as a sign of solidarity and support. A dedicated area of engraved bricks becomes a gathering space and symbol of shared investment in the school’s future.
Use Cases in Schools and Universities
Elementary & High Schools
- Playground Renovations: Alumni and families donate bricks to fund new play equipment, while children can later visit and see their family’s name.
- New Building Wings or Libraries: A brick wall showcasing contributors can be placed at the entrance.
- Annual Fund Campaigns: Schools can offer engraved bricks as a gift for donors who give above a certain threshold.
Colleges & Universities
- Athletic Facilities: Many institutions install bricks around stadiums, gyms, or halls of fame.
- Scholarship Endowments: Brick campaigns are tied to raising money for named scholarships.
- Reunion Drives: Bricks are sold during alumni reunions and homecomings as a meaningful way to reconnect with fellow alumni.
Why Alumni Love Engraved Bricks
Alumni often seek ways to reconnect with their alma mater, but emails and cold calls may not always resonate. Engraved bricks offer:
Personalization
Names, graduation years, clubs, or messages can be included.
Visibility
Bricks are publicly displayed, making donors feel recognized and honored.
Emotional Connection
Donating a brick brings back school pride and nostalgia.
Memorial Opportunities
Alumni can honor late friends, professors, or classmates.
It’s a simple, sincere way to say: “I was here, and I care.”
Why Bricks R Us Is the Go-To for School Fundraisers
At Bricks R Us, we’ve supported schools and nonprofits for over 30 years, transforming the way organizations approach fundraising. Unlike other vendors, we don’t just sell bricks; we support your entire campaign with:
Free Donor Websites
Set up a dedicated platform to collect orders.
Online Ordering System
Easy for your donors, easy for your staff.
Order Form Templates
Get started faster with ready-to-go materials.
Free Webinars
Learn how to effectively market your fundraiser.
Outstanding Customer Support
Get help at every stage.
Low Price Guarantee
Keep costs down and maintain high fundraising margins.
Unlimited Campaign Duration
Keep the campaign alive for years.
When you choose Bricks R Us, you’re choosing a partner in your school’s long-term success.
Success Stories: Schools That Raised More Than Money
- Lincoln High School (FL) raised $50,000 for a new performing arts center using a brick walkway.
- St. Mary’s College (CA) incorporated bricks into its quad renovation, using the campaign to fund landscaping and signage.
- James Elementary (TX) utilized bricks to fund a garden learning center, enhancing parent involvement and garnering local press coverage.
These projects demonstrate how engraved brick fundraisers do more than raise money; they build pride and foster a sense of community identity.
How to Get Started With Your Own Brick Fundraiser
Launching a brick fundraiser with Bricks R Us is as easy as:
- Sign up for your free donor site
- Customize your bricks and layout.
- Share your campaign with alumni and supporters.
- Watch your wall, walkway, or garden grow brick by brick!
You can promote your campaign through email, alumni newsletters, social media, or at school events. Our fundraising tools make it easy to keep everything organized and successful.
A Few Quick Tips for Maximizing Alumni Support
- Tap into nostalgia by sharing photos and stories from the past.
- Highlight the impact that shows how funds will be used (e.g., scholarships, buildings).
- Use visual mock-ups to help donors visualize where their brick will go.
- Set tiered pricing to offer larger bricks or symbol upgrades at premium prices.
- Promote across all channels, don’t forget Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and alumni forums.
Leave a Legacy, One Brick at a Time
Build Something That Lasts
Alumni don’t just want to donate, they want to belong. Engraved bricks offer a heartfelt way to give back while becoming part of the institution’s story. Whether it’s a small elementary school or a large university campus, brick fundraisers create spaces filled with meaning, memory, and momentum.
Bricks R Us is proud to help schools across the country turn engraved bricks into tools for connection, recognition, and growth. Let’s build your campaign together.
Get started today at https://www.bricksrus.com/
