Development Directions
ISPD’s team writes a monthly newsletter on advancement, enrollment management, and strategic planning in Catholic schools and parishes.
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...
Back to School Night and Vision Articulation
All across the country next month, the majority of Catholic schools will open for the 2024 -- 2025 school year and many will open with the infamous "Back to School Night". What a wonderful time for marketing and promoting the value of your school. These can be teachable and/or impressionable moments. Remember that old saying: “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND WITH THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR! This is one that many Catholic schools open with, and for many, this is where first impressions are made – especially for new families and...
ISPD Circle of Catholic Champions
In celebration of our 35th anniversary in June 2024, ISPD is announcing our first Circle of Catholic Champions. This is a combination of individual Catholic leaders, parishes, schools, and (arch)dioceses that ISPD has worked with in the past 35 years. They represent the following traits that exhibit true Catholic Development – Advancement – Stewardship excellence: Commitment to engaging people Belonging leads to believing culture Proactive thinking Excellent stewardship of resources they have been given Collaborative leadership Ability to create and share an innovative and dynamic vision Mission-driven results Commitment to bringing people to Christ and Christ to people This first...
ISPD Celebrates 35th Anniversary Year
(Editor’s Note: This Special Edition newsletter is about the early history of ISPD, the people, and the events that made it happen. I will admit from the beginning that not everyone who receives information from ISPD is going to be interested in how this company got started. It is written with two purposes in mind: 1. As a celebration of our 35 year anniversary, to share the early (and fragile) moments that allowed ISPD to be born; 2. For those who have just started or are thinking about beginning their own company, the fine lines between success and failure and how...
Two Important Ingredients for 2024-2025: “PD” and “SGP”
Professional Development and Strategic Growth Plan. In the battle today for individual sanity and institutional survival, these two ingredients rise to the top as we begin to put the “wrap” on the 2023-24 fiscal year. Professional Development First, let me get my bias out of the way. ISPD is hosting our annual Summer Development School here in New Orleans on June 18 – 20, 2024. This will be the 35th anniversary of our company. Would I like to see you attend? Absolutely! However, there is more to this newsletter on professional development than just a “pitch” for our annual conference....
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.
It’s Go Time for Giving Tuesday & iGiveCatholic
October 14, 2025
6 min
GivingTuesday 2025 is coming fast — and for Catholic schools and parishes, this global day of generosity...
