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...
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...
ISPD Expands with New Regional Offices, Welcomes Two Associates
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
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)
Optimize your school's enrollment with strategic management. Learn how to attract, enroll, and retain students while meeting budget goals.
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.
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...
How will 2024-25 Be Different in Your Catholic School and/or Parish?
HOW WILL 2024-25 BE DIFFERENT IN YOUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND/OR PARISH? One of the greatest joys in this business of consulting with Catholic schools, parishes, and (arch)dioceses is meeting the many different people who make up the leadership of our Catholic institutions – (arch)bishops, pastors, superintendents, principals, presidents, development and advancement directors, board members, and many others. Although everyone has different situations and challenges, we all want the same thing : to see our Catholic institution(s) improve, stay alive, and thrive. Many go about it in many ways – there’s boss management; there’s team management; there’s in-between management; there are...
Magnifica Humanitas and Catholic Development: ISPD’s Response to Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical on AI
May 29, 2026
6 min
Workers, Not Master Builders: Catholic Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Dear Friends and Colleagues in...
Staying Faithful and Effective: Professional Development as Ministry
April 26, 2026
7 min
The Value of Professional Development in Catholic Education and Parish Life In Catholic schools and parishes today,...
Annual Fund vs. Capital Campaign: Why Catholic Schools Need Both
March 24, 2026
3 min
Annual Funds and Capital Campaigns Is your school or parish ready for...
The Capital Campaign — Building the Future
March 12, 2026
3 min
Annual Funds and Capital Campaigns Is your school or parish ready for...
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?
