Development Directions
ISPD’s team writes a monthly newsletter on advancement, enrollment management, and strategic planning in Catholic schools and parishes.
Using Effective Processes and Tools to Build a Solid Development Foundation During This Pandemic (Part I)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There are important components to every Catholic school and/or parish development vehicle -- components such as: A full-functioning database; Successful enrollment management processes; A comprehensive total stewardship process; Active and on-going alum involvement; Systemic communications using many platforms and avenues; Effective fund/friend-raising events; Solid people engagement efforts; Successful annual giving; Capital campaign preparation and/or initiation; Individualized new parishioner welcome process; Consistent financial leader identification, relationship-building, and invitation; Organized strategic plans of action; Plus, others. Like an automobile, without these components (parts) being present, or without them functioning at full capacity, your Catholic school and/or parish may not operate as well...
Culture of Belonging & the FISH! Philosophy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Since our beginning years in the late 1980’s, ISPD has believed in establishing a Culture of Belonging. In the midst of this pandemic, the call for this culture to be at the forefront of Catholic school and parish operations has never been more important. Over the past six months, here are five statements we have heard and continue to hear: “How are we going to retain the students and families that may leave us because of tuition and fees, free public-school options, job loss, or home schooling?” “How will we get our parish families to come back to church if...
Seeds of Hope and Change: Ten Development Boxes to Check Over the Next 12 Months
When we rounded the corner on the month of August and moved into September, for many Catholic school and parish leaders there seemed to be a sigh of relief -- a recognition that we had made it through those unbelievable and unforgettable summer months of change. And, maybe we have moved to a new norm, although it keeps changing. In my 31+ years in Catholic school and parish development with ISPD, I have never seen a more important time for development/advancement (Operational Vitality) to take front and center stage in our schools and churches. Being in communication (via ISPD...
Creating Viable Revenue Streams for Catholic Schools and Parishes in 2020-2021
In the recent ISPD Survey # 6 (answered by over 300 Catholic leaders throughout the country) which closed last week, one of the questions was: “Please state the top 1-3 challenges your Catholic school and/or parish is facing as you move into the 2020 – 2021 fiscal year.” There were many answers, but the one that rose to the top of the list dealt with balancing the budget and creating streams of revenue in the midst of a pandemic. In other words, if a Catholic school loses enrollment, or if donors are not in a position to contribute over...
Yes! Now is the Time to Move Forward. YOU can Engage People.
Presently, ISPD is running a survey that is seeking input from Catholic leaders all over the country. If you have not taken it, then please do so. Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/79LW6XN One of the questions in the survey is: How would you rate the level of confidence you have today about the immediate future of your Catholic school and/or parish? Here are the percentages thus far: 43% Very confident that we will prevail. 22% Somewhat confident that we will prevail. 26% Somewhat worried that we will prevail. 9% Not at all confident that we will prevail. Quite interesting....
Could These Be the Most Important 75 Days in the History of your Catholic School and/or Parish?
Although one week later than we wanted to get this out, the title/premise of this Special Edition Newsletter # 6 is an intriguing one and certainly worth considering. This past Monday, June 15th, ISPD began the first of our 75 days with the start of our Summer Institute 2020 – three on-line courses offered for Catholic school and parish leaders – in partnership with the University of Dayton. 1. Moving Your Catholic School Forward NOW; 2. Moving Your Catholic Parish Forward NOW; 15 More Lessons Learned in 30+ Years in Catholic School Development. Over 225 students (pastors, presidents, principals,...
Building the Bridge as You Walk on It
The title of Robert E. Quinn’s book published in 2004 is an appropriate title to describe what Catholic school, parish, and (arch) diocesan leaders are going through in these COVID-19 times. We are all striving to build a bridge to the future while living in an ever-changing present while remembering what life was like in the past. However, there is one thing we must do: we must build our bridge. We must. In August 2005, south Louisiana and the Mississippi gulf coast were devastated by Hurricane Katrina; thousands of lives were uprooted; hundreds of people died; numerous homes were...
How to Build your first Content Marketing Strategy
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Case Study: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Enrollment Management Plan (Part I)
November 23, 2024
4 min
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?
October 21, 2024
6 min
Do you ever wonder why some capital campaigns in Catholic schools and parishes are successful and some...
How will 2024-25 Be Different in Your Catholic School and/or Parish?
August 15, 2024
6 min
HOW WILL 2024-25 BE DIFFERENT IN YOUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND/OR PARISH? One of the greatest joys in...
Back to School Night and Vision Articulation
July 17, 2024
7 min
All across the country next month, the majority of Catholic schools will open for the 2024 --...
ISPD Circle of Catholic Champions
June 11, 2024
25 min
In celebration of our 35th anniversary in June 2024, ISPD is announcing our first Circle of Catholic...
ISPD Celebrates 35th Anniversary Year
June 3, 2024
12 min
(Editor’s Note: This Special Edition newsletter is about the early history of ISPD, the people, and the...
