Michael Christopher is passionate about coaching and supporting fundraising professionals. He loves helping school leaders discover and develop what motivates their communities to give and effective strategies to engage them and bring them closer to their institutions.
Michael certainly has experience in this realm. He has worked in private school fundraising since 1990, most recently serving as Assistant Headmaster for Development at Lausanne Collegiate School. He previously worked at the Saint Louis Conservatory of Music, Holland Hall School, and Greensboro Day School. Michael has also supported development and advancement professionals with ISM since 2002 as an adjunct instructor and leader.
Today we’re proud to share that Michael is joining ISM’s Development Team, effective January 1, 2020. In this role, he’ll continue to lead strategic planning and development workshops; author articles; advise Boards, school leaders, and admission and development officers; present at conferences; and oversee strategic planning and school consultations.
We want to share a bit more about Michael, so we sat down for a Q&A to hear about the latest trends in fundraising and how he looks forward to supporting private-independent schools.
Congratulations on your new role with the ISM Development Team. Can you share a bit about your experience, both in your current role as Assistant Headmaster for Development at Lausanne Collegiate School and in previous roles?
I really enjoy building programs from the ground up. My first focus has always been to lay a solid foundation for the strategic and operational focus of our development program. I’ve also been responsible for several capital campaigns, established major gifts programs, developed planned giving capability, supported parent and alumni volunteer efforts, advised Boards, developed strategic marketing plans and brand identity, and managed strategic planning. Another area I’m passionate about is incorporating technology into Development Office operations.
You've worked with ISM for 17 years, guiding private school leaders in fundraising and development. Why are you so passionate about this work?
I can think of nothing more important than providing quality education for our young people. Because private-independent schools present a unique platform for that education, it is critical that they be well-managed and supported. In my work with Boards, administrators, and donors, I continue to be inspired by the passion that these individuals give to their work in support of students and revel in being a partner in their efforts.
What's your most memorable success as a fundraising leader at your school?
Every gift that we receive, every campaign that we conduct, and every prospect that we assist with giving is a memorable success. However, the best gift I have ever been a part of was a $25 gift of cash from a mother who worked three jobs to send her son to school. Her sacrifice on behalf of her son become personally inspiring when she shared what little she had with the school.
What do you hope to do for the administrators you teach and lead through workshops and consultations?
My hope is that through our work, every volunteer and administrator will come out with a deeper understanding of how to effectively lead their schools. We always aim to provide a mission-based and viability-focused learning environment, and want everyone to feel personally validated for the good work they are doing for their students.
What is one trend all fundraising and development professionals should be aware of right now?
Our donors and prospects are changing in their motivations for supporting our schools. We have to respond to both the generational and motivational differences we are experiencing, including transaction-focused giving, reduction in loyalty to single institutions, crowdfunding, and how to make a viable appeal to donors. We must concentrate on uncovering values that reflect the heartfelt motivation for our donors to give.
What are you most looking forward to in the future?
I’m looking forward to being with the leaders, staff members, and volunteers of our client schools and making progress together!
Michael leads workshops at Summer Institute and teaches sessions at Advancement Academy each year. He’s also available to come to your school’s campus through ISM’s personalized consultations. If you have questions, you can email us at consulting@isminc.com.
Additional ISM Resources:
The Source for Advancement Vol. 17 No. 10 Guidelines for Maintaining Your Gift Documentation Records
The Source for Advancement Vol. 17 No. 8 Do Not Accept Philanthropic Gifts From Applicant Parents
Additional ISM resources for members:
I&P Vol. 42 No. 6 The Donor Cycle
I&P Vol. 44 No. 9 Build Family Engagement With a Guide to Giving and Getting Involved
