MIT Resource Development

Development Services

The Office of Development Services provides research on donors and prospects for the offices of Individual Giving, Philanthropic Partnerships, and Institutional Initiatives, as well as for the Schools and the senior officers; identifies new prospects; and maintains the computer systems, personal computers, databases, and reporting functions for Resource Development. ODS is also responsible for the stewardship of major donors, and for cultivation and dedication events that support major gift goals in Resource Development.

Development Services supports MIT staff and volunteers as they build the relationships that lead to major philanthropic support for the Institute. In particular, we gather and analyze knowledge about individual prospects and donors, and provide tools for sharing and using that knowledge.

As stewards of MIT’s fundraising institutional memory, we archive and make available historical records that provide context for ongoing conversations with supporters of MIT, and work with the MIT Alumni Association in the maintenance of those systems. We synthesize past and current knowledge into research, and create and administer systems that inform, guide, and document development processes.

We provide fiscal accountability and business intelligence to RD and MIT senior staff. We provide highly personalized stewardship to the donors of named funds and supporters of Institute initiatives. We also coordinate development events of all sizes on campus, around the country, and throughout the world.