The pandemic has altered fundraising approaches for many schools. Some traditional tactics are no longer viable. Schools must strategize new approaches to connect with prospects in a socially distanced world.
Knowing How to Accept (or Reject) Gifts
When a donor gives to your school, they make a deeply personal statement about their commitment to your students and your school’s mission. That’s why your school’s procedures should celebrate and strengthen the ties between that donor and your school. This holds true whether the gift is one you’re glad to have—or one you cannot accept.
Prepare for the Next Annual Giving Cycle
As Development Director, you understand the importance of operating a successful annual giving program. The revenue it provides can greatly enhance your programs and, in many schools (while not recommended by ISM) contribute to balancing your operating budget. Solid preparation for your yearly campaign can make a significant difference to your success.
Five Tips for Writing Effective Volunteer Job Descriptions
Once you have published your Guide to Giving and Getting Involved and have identified your school’s volunteer needs, it is time to develop job descriptions for each position. Well-crafted job descriptions help you match the required work with qualified individuals. You also have a reliable estimate of the time, resources needed to be successful, and a set of metrics you can use to celebrate your volunteers’ success. Include the following points when creating your job descriptions.
Create an Effective Development Committee
A key function of the Board is to plan for the school’s financial stability.
How to Create a Terrific Case for Support
One of the pillars of an effective fundraising campaign is your school’s Case for Support. The Case for Support communicates with donors and prospects, and begins the process of matching their values and interests with your school’s mission and guiding principles.
Here’s how to create a terrific Case that positions your school as a community asset worthy of philanthropic support.
Six Ways to Use Your Guide to Giving and Getting Involved During and After COVID-19
ISM recommends that your Development Office publish an annual Guide to Giving and Getting Involved to help your constituents understand the case for voluntary support and the myriad ways that they can be involved in your school community. It is critical to remind parents who are not regularly on campus that the school must be sustained through the commitment of time and money from its friends.
Five Do’s and Don’ts When Working With Volunteers
As an Admission or Development Director, it would be nearly impossible to do your job without the help and support of volunteers. The quality of your volunteers’ experiences with your school makes a profound difference in their ability to accomplish their given tasks and their willingness to volunteer again. Follow these “do’s and don’ts” when supporting your volunteers.
Create a Strategic Development Committee Agenda for the Year
Your strategically focused Board of Trustees is key to making your development programs effective and sustainable. When your Board centers on decision-making that is future-focused and viability-motivated, your school not only prospers, but you can also inspire your donors and prospects to commit philanthropic dollars to your school.
Building Your Annual Fund During COVID-19
The annual fund is the foundation of your school’s philanthropic program. Even in uncertain times, your school should continue to fundraise for the annual fund. Here's how to ensure your efforts are effective.