In higher education, fundraising is often crucial to help institutions move forward and reduce barriers to student success. It’s a lot of work.
Ashley Spurgeon, executive assistant to the president of the Ivy Tech Foundation, knows this well. Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s only community college system, with more than 40 locations – meaning many people and organizations rely on it to help fuel the workforce.
“We work directly with a board of directors, and we are privately funded, versus the college, which is publicly funded,” Spurgeon said. “So we have to secure all of our funding to support the college via grants or individual donors. Then we, in turn, transfer that funding to the college to provide scholarships and help with books.”
To say the least, the foundation stays busy. One aspect of Spurgeon’s role that keeps her engaged is sending out gift packages – which is how she came to work with BoxUp.
The Relationship with BoxUp
“My predecessor worked with BoxUp for years,” she said. “When they left, it was up to me to find new boxes and create new designs. I didn’t know anything about BoxUp at the time, but one of my superiors said, ‘We’ve always used BoxUp. We have a close connection with them – and they’re right here in Indiana.’ So I went to their website, and once I looked around, I thought, ‘Oh, we can do a lot here.’”
To create polished presentation packaging for these gifts, the foundation used custom display mailer boxes that helped elevate the overall experience while protecting the items inside.
Spurgeon’s first experience with the packaging company came through a special project.
“We have used BoxUp for awards we give out to distinguished alumni – we call them an Ivy Oscar,” she said. “BoxUp was the only option that had a box large enough to fit the Ivy Oscar.”
The boxes are also used when sending gifts to the foundation’s board members.
“Every year, we select a different board gift, and we try to make it feel very executive-level,” she said. “Recently, we did a high-end charcuterie board and a book, shipped in our custom mailers. We also sent a set of marble and wooden coasters that were Ivy Tech branded.”
Better Marketing with Branded Packaging
Using custom-printed boxes is a powerful marketing tool for the foundation, Spurgeon explained.
“The box it comes in is the most important part, because it really showcases Ivy Tech’s branding,” she said. “It’s not just the board member who sees it – it’s everyone who interacts with that box. And the better the packaging, the easier it is for someone to go to our website and understand what Ivy Tech is all about.”
Making a strong impression matters.
“We always say we’re in the business of ‘showbiz,’ because we’re trying to attract donors, get attention, and help people recognize the impact we’re making in the community.”
Spurgeon described branded packaging as the “best feature” she can think of.
“Yes, we could send gifts in a plain white box and people would still be excited,” she said. “But adding that extra branded touch brings so much more value to the overall experience.”
She also uses BoxUp boxes internally at Ivy Tech.
“I always order extra boxes when I place orders for the board,” Spurgeon said. She uses the extra boxes to send welcome packages to new employees. “It creates a nice surprise, especially for employees starting remotely who may not feel as connected yet.”
Why BoxUp?
Spurgeon explored other packaging options, but the customer experience didn’t compare.
“Everything about BoxUp is fantastic,” she said. “They’re quick to respond to any question or email. And their website chat feature? Within five minutes, I have a solution.”
Like many BoxUp customers, she appreciates the built-in design tools.
“I’m decent at designing, but their templates make me look like a professional,” Spurgeon said. “If I have a vision, I can bring it to life easily using their box templates.”
BoxUp’s downloadable templates and artwork guidelines helped simplify the process, making it easier to confidently prepare files and create professional-looking packaging designs.
Her experience with other packaging providers hasn’t been as smooth.
“Designing box graphics on other websites is terrible,” she said. “It’s complicated, frustrating, and there’s little to no customer support. It’s honestly a nightmare.”
Fast turnaround times are another major benefit.
“The shipping is so fast,” she said. “I can place an order and have the boxes within a week – ready to pack and send out.”
Tips for Marketing with Custom Boxes
Like many people new to custom packaging, Spurgeon has learned a few key lessons along the way.
“Always double measure,” she said with a laugh. “Measure both the box and what you’re putting inside. You have to check everything carefully.”
If you’re unsure about sizing, BoxUp’s chat feature can help guide you through choosing the right mailer dimensions – something Spurgeon has found especially useful.
“And we always order slightly larger boxes to keep items from shifting,” she added. “That way, we can include filler, place the gift in the center, and add a thank-you card on top.”
To create a more polished presentation and keep items secure during shipping, the foundation often includes BoxUp’s crinkle paper filler inside their custom mailers.
She also recommends doing a quick “test open” before shipping.
“Our boxes open like a book – I always close it and reopen it just to see how it looks,” she said. “It’s such a nice presentation. It feels really polished.”
Overall, working with BoxUp has been a seamless experience.
“I’ve just never worked with a company that’s been this easy,” Spurgeon said.
Start designing your own custom marketing boxes today.