2024 Advancement Institute | Schedule

We will examine trends in independent schools and educational philanthropy. How are schools approaching fundraising in 2024? And how does it differ from years past? Attendees will leave this session with a deeper understanding of current trends in philanthropy and discuss the implications of the data at their schools.

When you’re operating with a lean team, fundraising efforts can fall by the wayside. But just because you are a member of a small development team – or the only person on your development team – does not mean fundraising success is out of reach. Attendees will learn how to best allocate and prioritize their time to make the biggest philanthropic impact. From starting your first capital campaign, to leveraging your volunteer leaders, this session will offer strategies that can be deployed by small development shops to maximize efforts and reach fundraising goals.

A well-developed case for support should do at least three things:

1. Help unify leaders, board members, faculty, and staff around you school’s shared message
2. Educate donors and community members
3. Inspire donors to give

In summary, a well-developed case for support should unify, educate, and inspire.

Donor acquisition and retention are among the top two fundraising challenges facing schools today. How do we educate new parents that tuition is just the start of building the school’s excellence or convince our alumni to join in the culture of giving. In this session we will discuss tried and true best practices and innovative strategies for acquiring and retaining donors in the new landscape.

We will discuss strategies to bridge the gap between annual and major giving by building and stewarding personal relationships with existing donors.

You have been charged with developing a working gift officer pipeline or portfolio to be used in your campaign, annual fund program, major gifts effort, or other fundraising initiatives. How do you turn the prospects in your database into a usable pipeline and implement next steps to reach your development team goals? In this session we will discuss the process of collaboration between advancement services, data analytics, and front-line fundraisers for philanthropic success.

Heads of school are often prepared for the academic and administrative aspects of their job but are often surprised by the demands of fundraising. As the director of advancement, how can you best support your head as the fundraiser-in-chief? Through real-life examples and best practices, this session will demonstrate how a symbiotic partnership between the head and advancement director can lead to enhanced donor engagement, increased philanthropic support, and a strengthened school community. Walk away with practical insights and actionable steps to cultivate a successful partnership that maximizes fundraising efforts and amplifies your school’s impact.

Delve into the art and science of effective gift request strategies, discovering top-tier practices that drive successful fundraising campaigns for independent schools.

Engage in interactive role-playing exercises designed to hone your skills in confidently making fundraising asks within the educational context, refining your pitch, and tailoring your approach to secure vital financial support for your school’s mission and initiatives. Gain practical insights and receive constructive feedback to enhance your effectiveness in pivotal donor interactions.

Breakout session in small groups to discuss opportunities and solutions to the top challenges identified by SAIS member schools.