Development Directions
ISPD’s team writes a monthly newsletter on advancement, enrollment management, and strategic planning in Catholic schools and parishes.
The Capital Campaign — Building the Future
Annual Funds and Capital Campaigns Is your school or parish ready for a Capital Campaign? Part Two in a Three Part Series We're exploring the two development efforts that matter most: the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign. Both are essential. Both invite generosity. But they serve different purposes, operate by different rules, and require different things from your leadership. Last week, we discussed the Annual Fund — what it is, what it funds, and why Catholic communities can't afford to neglect it. This week, we'll turn to the Capital Campaign and what it...
The Annual Fund – Why Every Year Matters
Annual Funds & Capital Campaigns Understanding the Difference and Why Both Matter A Three-Part Series Over the next three weeks, we're exploring the two development efforts that matter most: the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign. Both are essential. Both invite generosity. But they serve different purposes, operate by different rules, and require different things from your leadership. We'll start this week with the Annual Fund — what it is, what it funds, and why Catholic communities can't afford to neglect it. Next week we'll turn to the Capital Campaign and what it takes...
New Year’s Resolutions for 2026: The Best Direction on Your Development Compass
As we turn the calendar to 01/01/2026, many Catholic schools and parishes are asking, “Where do we point our development compass this year?” Budgets, enrollment, facilities, and staffing all demand attention. Yet beneath all of that is a deeper question: How will we more meaningfully involve people in our mission and vision for the future in 2026?
A Christmas Story
"I was overwhelmed with joy until I turned the corner and saw him crying." A true Christmas story about the day Santa Claus let someone down—and what one boy did about it.
Operational Vitality as Ministry: Reframing Development, Advancement, Enrollment, and Sustainability in Catholic Education
Operational Vitality in Catholic education is a ministry, not just an administrative function. Development, advancement, enrollment management, and sustainability are essential to the mission of Catholic schools because they support evangelization, stewardship, and long-term vitality. This article reframes operational leadership as sacred, relational work that sustains Catholic schools for future generations.
Inviting Year-End Gifts
As we approach the season of gratitude and giving, our Catholic schools and parishes often reflect on the many blessings received throughout the year—and the role each member of our community plays in advancing the mission. Year-end giving is more than a tradition; it is a vital opportunity to invite everyone to invest in the values and vision we hold dear.
It’s Go Time for Giving Tuesday & iGiveCatholic
GivingTuesday 2025 is coming fast — and for Catholic schools and parishes, this global day of generosity is an incredible opportunity to grow your donor base, raise critical funds, and celebrate your mission. This year, the worldwide day of giving falls on December 2, 2025, with advanced giving starting on November 17. Here’s how to make your iGiveCatholic campaign your most successful yet.Why participate? Catholic schools and parishes nationwide have raised millions through GivingTuesday campaigns, and iGiveCatholic has stimulated over $91 million across the country. It's not just about the dollars raised—it's about expanding your donor base and building momentum...
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.
The Capital Campaign — Building the Future
March 12, 2026
3 min
Annual Funds and Capital Campaigns Is your school or parish ready for...
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The Annual Fund – Why Every Year Matters
March 5, 2026
3 min
Annual Funds & Capital Campaigns Understanding the Difference and Why Both Matter...
New Year’s Resolutions for 2026: The Best Direction on Your Development Compass
January 19, 2026
8 min
As we turn the calendar to 01/01/2026, many Catholic schools and parishes are asking, “Where do we point our development compass this year?” Budgets, enrollment, facilities, and staffing all demand attention. Yet beneath all of that is a deeper question: How will we more meaningfully involve people in our mission and vision for the future in 2026?
A Christmas Story
December 23, 2025
6 min
"I was overwhelmed with joy until I turned the corner and saw him crying." A true Christmas story about the day Santa Claus let someone down—and what one boy did about it.
Operational Vitality as Ministry: Reframing Development, Advancement, Enrollment, and Sustainability in Catholic Education
December 15, 2025
3 min
Operational Vitality in Catholic education is a ministry, not just an administrative function. Development, advancement, enrollment management, and sustainability are essential to the mission of Catholic schools because they support evangelization, stewardship, and long-term vitality. This article reframes operational leadership as sacred, relational work that sustains Catholic schools for future generations.
Inviting Year-End Gifts
November 20, 2025
4 min
As we approach the season of gratitude and giving, our Catholic schools and parishes often reflect on the many blessings received throughout the year—and the role each member of our community plays in advancing the mission. Year-end giving is more than a tradition; it is a vital opportunity to invite everyone to invest in the values and vision we hold dear.
