Fostering meaningful engagement of our major donors to help catalyze their support should be a central priority at all of our schools. At Lakefield College School, we have sought to invest in the engagement mechanisms that we believe are most attractive and meaningful for our major donors, and that most effectively help “shape the path” for their philanthropic support. Towards that end, we have embraced the following structures for successful major donor engagement, with each applicable in different situations and at different stages of the donor development cycle:

● A unique foundation trusteeship governance role emphasizing major donor engagement and relationship-building
● Issue-specific, time-limited task forces with a focused mandate
● Head’s advisory roundtables seeking small group input on strategic topics
● A strategic planning process that engages a breadth of input and involvement across our community, and
● A Campaign Cabinet structure that catalyzes effective peer-to-peer engagement.

Deploying such a variety of engagement structures helps us find the right role for our existing and prospective major donors. Indeed, these structures, coupled with the sort of one-on-one donor engagement for which there can be no substitute, have helped drive substantial fundraising momentum at our school, as we have raised in excess of $50M over the past six years as a relatively small boarding and day school of 439 students. In particular, our small group of foundation trustees will often contribute upwards of two thirds of our total funds raised in a given year.

This session will explore the key characteristics and underpinning rationale for each of the engagement structures we have deployed. While we believe our experience will be informative, it is vitally important to recognize that there is no “one size fits all” strategy for effective major donor engagement. Rather, each school will want to develop its own tailored engagement structures that mesh with the particular facts and circumstances applicable to their respective school communities. This session will help equip you to design and implement engagement strategies that further strengthen the commitment of both your current and prospective major donors.

Effective strategic communications is a key to a Head of School's success in leadership, and a vital tool for advancing the vision and mission of any independent school. Yet many school professionals do not understand and value the role, and why the Head of School/communications leader's relationship is one of the most important in an administrative team. In this session you'll learn the building blocks of this partnership, the skills communications professionals need to bring to the role, and what to do when, inevitably, challenges arise.

As times have become more dynamic, so have some governance practices. What may have worked two decades ago may not create the same outcomes you are looking for today. Come join this interactive session with the NAIS president and the leadership from one specific school to look more closely at some of these trends and how they have played out at one school. We will discuss a school and foundation model as well as working with board committees or task forces designed to work more in-depth with school leadership on pressing topics such as student wellness and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Small but mighty. The Harbor Day team took a highly personalized approach to the focused campaign that raised just shy of $52 million, completely transforming its 50 year old campus. You'll hear the individual perspectives of the Head of School, Director of Communications, and Director of Development who worked in parallel over five years of campaigning and 3 years of construction. Regardless of the numbers your organization may be considering, you will learn the transferable defining elements that led to success.

In this dynamic session, we will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in school fundraising. Attendees will discover innovative ways AI can enhance donor engagement, streamline operations, and optimize fundraising strategies. We will dive into practical applications, from predictive analytics to personalized communication, showcasing real-world examples and success stories.

Following the presentation, a facilitated discussion will provide an opportunity for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and brainstorm AI-driven solutions tailored to their unique challenges. Join us to uncover how AI can elevate your fundraising efforts, drive donor satisfaction, and ultimately, improve your results.

Better understanding the independent school business model can inspire resourceful action on the part of all advancement leaders charged with delivering on such a critical element of it, given that financial support from donors and the ability to draw from a healthy endowment are the most important pieces of the revenue pie after tuition. This session is designed for those administrators who desire to be good stewards of their school's resources as they are generated and deployed to fulfill the school’s mission. Learn to identify and mitigate financial challenges, seize opportunities, and be more strategic in light of financial pressure, in collaboration with your CFO, leadership team, and board.

Explore the fascinating world of careers in international fundraising in this engaging panel discussion that delves into the unique differences and striking similarities across global fundraising practices. This session brings together experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds to share their journeys, challenges, and successes in the world of global philanthropy. Our panelists will delve into the essential skills and competencies needed to thrive in international fundraising, offer guidance on navigating cultural and regulatory landscapes, and provide practical tips to ensure success.

Whether you are a seasoned fundraiser looking to expand your horizons or a newcomer eager to make a global impact, this session will provide valuable perspectives and practical advice to help you chart a successful career in international fundraising.

Key Takeaways:
• Understanding the scope and significance of international fundraising opportunities
• Identifying key skills and competencies for global fundraising success
• Navigating cultural and regulatory challenges in different regions
• Practical advice and resources for career development in international fundraising
• Practical tips for adapting to various international contexts

Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your understanding and connect with fellow professionals who are making a difference on a global scale.

Whether you are a school head new to the work of philanthropy or a seasoned pro, we will cover the critical role of building a philanthropic climate that enables you to seek significant gifts for your school. This session will cover the role of linking conversations to strategic direction, asking the right questions, ways to raise sights in a conversation, partnering with the advancement team and board, and discussing a gift of significance. We will cover the macro and the micro of major gifts work. While this session is designed for school heads, chief advancement officers and other school leaders who partner with the head are welcome to attend.

Parents are essential partners to advance your school mission. But sometimes parent volunteer groups become exclusive and lack purpose. There are three ingredients to success: intentional volunteer recruitment, a big tent that is inclusive and welcoming, and a shared mission aligned to the school’s strategy. Join us for an enriching panel discussion with leaders from The Bishop Strachan School to learn how we built a powerful, inclusive and mission-aligned parent volunteer organization from the ground up - while preserving important traditions and building a positive school culture for all.

Join Sue Cunningham (CASE), Debra Wilson (NAIS), James Palmieri (NBOA), and John Williamson (EMA) who will share their association’s perspectives on the future of the independent and international schools sector. Hear key insights on advancement, governance and trends, business leadership, and global enrollment, and how advancement leaders can be strategic partners.