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.

The Real Value of Hosting Your Catholic School Open House

In our 36 years of helping Catholic schools and parishes flourish, one truth stands out: there is no single event that can activate your community and communicate your mission as powerfully as a well-executed Open House. Too often, however, schools view Open House as a one-off recruitment night. The real value is far broader—it is an opportunity to foster belonging, deepen engagement, and lay down the roadways that invite new families, students, and supporters into your mission.

By |September 16th, 2025|Categories: Development Directions|0 Comments

Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD) Expands National Footprint by Welcoming Dan Ferris as Full-Time Associate to Lead Regional Growth with New Northeast Office

NEW ORLEANS – The Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD), a national leader in Catholic school and parish development, consulting, coaching, and strategic planning, is pleased to announce the addition of Dan Ferris as a full-time associate. Dan Ferris Brings Decades of Catholic School Leadership Ferris brings 20+ years of experience in Catholic school leadership and Catholic education consulting. He served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island (2011–2022), followed by his role as Director of Accreditation for School Improvement with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges’ Commission on Independent Schools (2022–2024)....

By |August 20th, 2025|Categories: ISPD Announcements|0 Comments
  • Annual Reports

Beyond the Balance Sheet: Creating Annual Reports That Tell Your Mission Story

As another fiscal year closes and another begins, business offices are busy with familiar tasks: closing books, preparing statements, and drafting the annual financial report for the parish and/or school. But what if this year-end requirement could become something transformative? Every year, parishes dutifully publish their financial statements, and every year, the same misconceptions persist about how the business of the Catholic Church – and Catholic education -- works.

By |August 12th, 2025|Categories: Development Directions|Tags: , , |0 Comments

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
  • The Real Value of Hosting Your Catholic School Open House

    September 16, 2025

    4 min

    In our 36 years of helping Catholic schools and parishes flourish, one truth stands out: there is no single event that can activate your community and communicate your mission as powerfully as a well-executed Open House. Too often, however, schools view Open House as a one-off recruitment night. The real value is far broader—it is an opportunity to foster belonging, deepen engagement, and lay down the roadways that invite new families, students, and supporters into your mission.

  • Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD) Expands National Footprint by Welcoming Dan Ferris as Full-Time Associate to Lead Regional Growth with New Northeast Office

    August 20, 2025

    2 min

    NEW ORLEANS – The Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD), a national leader in Catholic school...

  • Annual Reports

    Beyond the Balance Sheet: Creating Annual Reports That Tell Your Mission Story

    August 12, 2025

    6 min

    As another fiscal year closes and another begins, business offices are busy with familiar tasks: closing books, preparing statements, and drafting the annual financial report for the parish and/or school. But what if this year-end requirement could become something transformative? Every year, parishes dutifully publish their financial statements, and every year, the same misconceptions persist about how the business of the Catholic Church – and Catholic education -- works.

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  • Is Your Catholic School/Parish Ready for a Capital Campaign?

    July 16, 2025

    5 min

    Discover what it truly takes to launch a capital campaign at your Catholic school or parish. Learn key steps, avoid common mistakes, and explore a proven process that leads to success.

  • 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...

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