As your school’s development director, you know that setting the right annual fund goal is critical to your program. Despite that, at some schools, the annual fund goal is set by the board and school head to “fund the gap” between expenses and expected income. But this is not the right way to establish the goal for an annual fund. Instead, use accurate data from past fundraising successes to set a challenging but achievable goal.
What not to do
ISM research has repeatedly shown that a strong sense of community is a differentiator when students and parents are choosing a school or choosing to remain at a school. In middle and upper school, this sense of community is fostered during assembly, advisory, and activity programs.
Furthermore, having access to daily extra help is essential in providing support to your students — especially middle school students, who benefit from a daily study hall.
“Academic rigor” is heralded as a central tenet of a quality academic experience. Schools tout it. Parents want it. Governments legislate it.
Retaining families is “enrollment critical.” It’s never too early to start re-recruiting your new parents and students with a transition to your school community that is positive and mission-centered. As families juggle the demands of daily life, school leaders must be increasingly creative and thoughtful in providing new families with the information and connections necessary to establish a strong, productive partnership with the school based on shared values.
Employee benefits — along with a winning school culture — are a key component of attracting and retaining faculty and staff, ensuring long-term institutional success. Schools must balance financial sustainability with competitive offerings by designing benefits packages that meet employee needs while controlling costs. Schools must also pay attention to those factors that contribute to faculty and staff stress.
Running a small development office in a private-independent school comes with unique challenges and opportunities. With limited staff and resources, advancement professionals must be strategic, efficient, and mission-driven to maximize fundraising success.
This webinar will explore key strategies for prioritizing tasks, leveraging volunteers, engaging donors, and building a sustainable fundraising program — while wearing multiple hats. You’ll gain practical insights to help you streamline operations and increase impact.
In private-independent schools, upwards of 70% of the operating budget comes from tuition revenue. It is therefore critical that the admission and business offices work cooperatively to achieve their school’s enrollment and financial goals. Critical collaborative functions include setting tuition and budgets, establishing a financial aid strategy, and ensuring student retention.
Join ISM Consultants Terry Moore and Penny Abrahams as they share their expert advice for strengthening this key partnership to position schools for sustained success.
Private-independent schools thrive when marketing communications, enrollment management, and development operate as a cohesive advancement team rather than as isolated departments. Yet, too often, these functions work in silos, leading to missed opportunities for engagement and growth.
Many private-independent schools struggle to define the role of athletics within their educational missions, particularly as youth sports become increasingly professionalized. While athletic participation offers undeniable benefits — instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience — sports may dominate resources, promotional messaging, and student life in ways that may not align with schools’ broader institutional goals. Join our panel as they discuss strategies for ensuring athletic programs support, rather than overshadow, a school’s mission.
By adopting a self-funded insurance model for your employee benefits, K–12 private-independent schools can achieve significant cost savings, gain greater control over risk management, and tailor their coverage to meet specific needs. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, including adherence to regulatory requirements, securing adequate financial reserves, and following best practices to ensure compliance and long-term stability.