Workshops and conferences. Focus on courses designed for Development or Advancement Directors in private-independent schools and educational institutions. Sessions targeted to nonprofit organizations in general can provide valuable information, but it is important to understand the differences. For example, the sense of community is much more intimate within a school—a family-like bond, compared to those who support an orchestra.
- ISM Summer Institute, isminc.com/si, (302-656-4944) five workshops for development
- The Newcomers Advancement Institute, isminc.com/newcomers, (302-656-4944) track-oriented training with mentors
These organizations also provide quality programs and materials (although not necessarily geared specifically to our private-independent schools).
- CASE (Council for Advancement of Support and Education): 202-328-2273, www.case.org
- AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals): 703-684-0410, www.afpnet.org
Publications. Reading up on the processes, particulars, and trends in fund raising provides valuable background for Development Directors, new and experienced. There are hundreds of books and other printed materials that deal with development and fund raising for nonprofits. Among those recommended by professionals in private-independent schools are:
- ISM Development Collections
- Ideas and Perspectives, and To The Point both provide ground breaking research and practical advice.
- Currents magazine (Council for Advancement and Support of Education)
- Collier, Charles W., Wealth in Families (Harvard University: 2006)
- Philanthropy at Independent Schools, 3rd Edition (National Association of Independent Schools: 2009)
- The Chronicle of Philanthropy: The Newspaper of the Non-Profit World (Chronicle of Education)
- Panas, Jerold. Asking: A 59-Minute Guide to Everything Board Members, Volunteers, and Staff Must Know to Secure the Gift (Emerson & Church Publishers: 2005)
- Panas, Jerold. Finders Keepers: Lessons I've Learned About Dynamic Fundraising (Bonus Books: 1999)
- Panas, Jerold. Mega Gifts: Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them (Emerson & Church: 2005)
- Sprinkel Grace, Kay. Beyond Fund Raising: New Strategies for Nonprofit Innovation and Investment (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: 1997)
- Sprinkel Grace, Kay. Over Goal: What you Must Know to Excel at Fund Raising Today (Emerson & Church Publishers: 2003)
- Stanley, Thomas J. and William D. Danko. The Millionaire Next Door (Pocket Books: 1996)
Online Free Resources
- ISM Advancement Listserv. Click here to sign up
- CASE Listservs
Consulting. Bringing an expert to your school can be an excellent way to support professional growth in specific areas (annual fund, capital and endowment campaigns, major gift program, etc.), or on the more general topic of operating an effective Development Office. ISM offers consulting services in all aspects of development and fund raising.
