Blog2025-02-27T19:25:45-06:00

Development Directions

ISPD’s team writes a monthly newsletter on advancement, enrollment management, and strategic planning in Catholic schools and parishes.

Holding Steady: Faith, Leadership, and Forward Momentum in Uncertain Times

Over the past week, we have witnessed a sharp and sudden drop in the Dow Industrials, triggered by new tariffs imposed on several foreign countries. This downturn, and other global issues, have understandably sparked concern among many Americans and are fueling fears of a possible recession. Our nation—and indeed, our world—continues to navigate volatile economic and political waters. As a national Catholic development consulting firm moving into our 36th year of business, we want to speak directly to our Catholic school, parish, and (arch)diocesan leaders, particularly those currently engaged in one of our capital campaigns, annual funds, or other strategic...

By |April 7th, 2025|Categories: Position Paper|0 Comments
  • Students in Church (AI-Generated)

The Interconnected Role of the Catholic Parish, Church, and School

March 2025 Newsletter The Interconnected Role of the Catholic Parish, Church, and School:  Understanding the Unity of the Parish In ISPD’s work throughout the country, we run across a number of misconceptions and questions when it comes to understanding the role of a Catholic parish, the role of a Catholic church, and the role of a Catholic school. We hear questions like these: What do you mean when you say the school is a ministry of the parish? Aren’t the parish and the church the same thing? Why doesn’t the parish give the school more money? Why is the school...

By |March 31st, 2025|Categories: Development Directions|0 Comments

A Pause for Prayer, A Cause for Mourning

Here in the Greater New Orleans Area, where our company is located, all of us at ISPD extend our sympathies and condolences to those who were killed and/or injured in the early New Year’s Day tragedy on Bourbon Street. We are heartbroken and grieve for those families having to endure the reality of this senseless act. New Orleans is a city built on resilience. Through the years, we have faced adversity and risen stronger. As a friend of mine said this morning, “We stand together, not just in mourning, but in our resolve to heal and grow from adversity.” Mardi Gras will go on; the Super Bowl will be held, the spring festivals will take place, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be staged; and our company’s annual three-day conference (ISPD Summer 2025 Development School) in June will welcome Catholic leaders from throughout the country. We will rise and come back better than ever. As we said in our December Christmas story: “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Candles of remembrance, respect, reverence, and hope are lit in the City of New Orleans.

By |January 3rd, 2025|Categories: Development Directions|Tags: , , |Comments Off on A Pause for Prayer, A Cause for Mourning

Case Study: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Enrollment Management Plan (Part I)

Enrollment management is an intentional, strategic process employed by schools that focuses on attracting, admitting, enrolling, retaining, and supporting families from admittance through graduation. Enrollment management historically began in higher education and has expanded into primary and secondary education.

By |November 23rd, 2024|Categories: Development Directions|Comments Off on Case Study: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Enrollment Management Plan (Part I)

Capital Campaigns: Why do Some Succeed and Some Fail?

Do you ever wonder why some capital campaigns in Catholic schools and parishes are successful and some miss their goal? ISPD has had the wonderful opportunity to work with so many successful campaigns over our 35-year history. Our most recent one at Holy Name of Jesus Parish and School in New Orleans, LA, exceeded their “stretch goal” by $600K. The original goal was $5 million; the stretch goal was $7 million, and the campaign ended up raising $7.6 million. Several years ago, we worked with Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati. They had an $18 million goal and went over...

By |October 21st, 2024|Categories: Development Directions|Tags: |Comments Off on Capital Campaigns: Why do Some Succeed and Some Fail?
  • The Cadence of Catholic School Development: Connecting the Dots

    April 30, 2025

    5 min

    The Cadence of Catholic School Development will provide a roadmap for those who need a clear direction on how development/advancement should unfold while also providing a guide for those Catholic schools who may have taken some detours.

  • Holding Steady: Faith, Leadership, and Forward Momentum in Uncertain Times

    April 7, 2025

    4 min

    Over the past week, we have witnessed a sharp and sudden drop in the Dow Industrials, triggered...

  • Students in Church (AI-Generated)

    The Interconnected Role of the Catholic Parish, Church, and School

    March 31, 2025

    4 min

    March 2025 Newsletter The Interconnected Role of the Catholic Parish, Church, and School:  Understanding the Unity of...

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  • Image of Dr. Courtney Millet and Jason Crundwell

    ISPD Expands with New Regional Offices, Welcomes Two Associates

    March 13, 2025

    3 min

    The Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD), a national Catholic development, consulting, coaching, and educational firm headquartered in the Greater New Orleans area, is pleased to announce the opening of two new regional offices in Ohio and North Carolina, further expanding its national reach.

  • A Pause for Prayer, A Cause for Mourning

    January 3, 2025

    10 min

    Here in the Greater New Orleans Area, where our company is located, all of us at ISPD extend our sympathies and condolences to those who were killed and/or injured in the early New Year’s Day tragedy on Bourbon Street. We are heartbroken and grieve for those families having to endure the reality of this senseless act. New Orleans is a city built on resilience. Through the years, we have faced adversity and risen stronger. As a friend of mine said this morning, “We stand together, not just in mourning, but in our resolve to heal and grow from adversity.” Mardi Gras will go on; the Super Bowl will be held, the spring festivals will take place, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be staged; and our company’s annual three-day conference (ISPD Summer 2025 Development School) in June will welcome Catholic leaders from throughout the country. We will rise and come back better than ever. As we said in our December Christmas story: “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Candles of remembrance, respect, reverence, and hope are lit in the City of New Orleans.

  • Case Study: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Enrollment Management Plan (Part II)

    December 13, 2024

    6 min

    Optimize your school's enrollment with strategic management. Learn how to attract, enroll, and retain students while meeting budget goals.

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