Asking for donations is often the most challenging aspect of fundraising and can be daunting for fundraisers. Many professionals in our field tend to seek indirect or passive approaches when soliciting donations, which often yield less-than-optimal results.

This presentation will delve into the crucial aspects of who, why, when, and how to effectively ask donors for contributions. Whether you're preparing for your first ask, coaching your Head of School, or guiding a volunteer, this session will equip you with the necessary tools to develop a tailored strategy for engaging your donors.

I advocate for asking early as a key strategy for cultivating long-term donor relationships, and I will share insights into why this approach is effective.

The strength and vitality of an alumni board play a crucial role in the overall success of an alumni association. To maximize the impact of the alumni board, it is essential to implement strategies that energize and engage its members, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. For the past three years, The Archer School for Girls has put a comprehensive plan into place to invigorate the alumni board. They are now a working board, responsible for alumni engagement and fundraising. And, the proof is in the numbers. Alumni giving increased on average 181% over the past three years, the LinkedIn Alumni group increased by 67% over two years, and we've grown from 3 events a year to 8, with event attendance up by 32% this past year alone. Additionally, our energized board has drawn new members, whose engagement and involvement was traditionally low. They are excited by the changes that have been made, and want to be a part of its future. Join us to learn how you can make this happen at your school, too.

After more than one hundred conversations with heads about the independent school business model, the results are in.

Uncover the critical challenges facing today's independent schools and discover how schools are effectively redefining the model.
This session will delve into case studies of schools, analyzing their paths to success and offering actionable insights.

Essential for trustees and school leaders, this workshop offers a critical examination of current hurdles, identifies opportunities to reimagine the business model, and provides a hopeful outlook for the future of independent schools.

It’s no secret that the communications landscape is shifting and fragmenting. Just look at the most recent election. Andrew is a leading expert on the evolving media landscape. After pioneering the first digital transformation on President Obama’s 2008 campaign, he now advises leaders and brands around the world. In his upcoming session, Andrew will provide valuable perspective into the unique ways each generation consumes media, interacts with brands, and responds to messaging. Anyone looking to optimize their marketing approach and connect with today’s varied audiences will benefit from Andrew’s insights.