Development Directions
ISPD’s team writes a monthly newsletter on advancement, enrollment management, and strategic planning in Catholic schools and parishes.
Making a List and Checking It Twice
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Making a List and Checking It Twice” In August 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, ISPD released a newsletter titled, “Can I Check These Ten Boxes as Being Complete or In-Progress?” Many Catholic schools and parishes responded by saying that this list was helpful in assessing where they were after six months of living with COVID-19 (March 2020 – August 2020). Now, in August 2021, we still are living under the cloud of a pandemic with the Delta variant. So, let’s take this time to go back through this list (which has been updated) and see how we are...
The Most Important Things to Do in Your Catholic School and/or Parish in 2021-22
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a young man growing up with a wise father, there were those memorable times where I knew what my dad was telling me could be (especially in later years) classified as meaningful and profound. One of those moments took place right after I graduated from De La Salle High School here in New Orleans. With both of us sitting on the porch outside of the log home where I grew up, amid a discussion about what I should major in as I headed off to college, my dad turned to me and said, “Son, sometimes the most important thing...
The Future of Catholic Schools and Parishes (Part IV)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Part 1 on “The Future of Catholic Schools and Parishes” was released on March 24, 2021; Part 2 was released the week after Easter; Part 3 was released at the beginning of May 2021, and Part 4 is being released on June 1, 2021. The subject matter of this four-part series of newsletters was presented at ISPD’s Monday, March 8, 2021, Cohort Session in which over 400 Catholic leaders from across the country attended. This “white paper” by ISPD has three major components. Rationale for This Position Part 1 Premises/Basic Truths: What Experience and Data Tells Us Part 1 and...
The Future of Catholic Schools and Parishes (Part III)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Part 1 on “The Future of Catholic Schools and Parishes” was released on March 24, 2021; Part 2 was released the week after Easter, and Part 3 is being released at the beginning of May 2021. The subject matter of this four-part series of newsletters was presented at ISPD’s Monday, March 8, 2021, Cohort Session in which over 400 Catholic leaders from across the country attended. This “white paper” by ISPD has three major components. Rationale for This Position Part 1 Premises/Basic Truths: What Experience and Data Tells Us Part 1 and Part 2 The Future of Catholic Schools and...
The Future of Catholic Schools and Parishes (Part II)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Part 1 on “The Future of Catholic Schools and Parishes” was released on March 24, 2021; Part 2 is being released this week, which is also the week when the NCEA virtual convention is being held. The subject matter of this four-part series of newsletters was presented at ISPD’s Monday, March 8th Cohort Session in which over 400 Catholic leaders from across the country attended. The responses to the 45-minute presentation about the future of Catholic schools and parishes were interesting: “Quite revealing!” “Thank you for access to this eye-opening information.” “Today's presentation was truly a 'lift the slate' presentation....
The Future of Catholic Schools and Parishes (Part I)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Monday, March 8, 2021, ISPD presented our 29th Monday Cohort Session titled “The Future of Catholic Schools and Parishes.” Over 400 Catholic leaders (superintendents, pastors, president, principals, development/advancement officers, board/council members, etc.) from across the country attended this presentation, and the response we received has been overwhelming. Listed below are some of the comments from the post-webinar survey. “Quite revealing!” “Thank you for access to this eye-opening information.” “Today's presentation was truly a 'lift the slate' presentation. It smacked me in the back of the head with the belief that NOW is the real time to prepare for the...
Using Effective Processes and Tools to Build a Solid Development Foundation During This Pandemic (Part III)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we shared in the November and December newsletters, 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,...
Using Effective Processes and Tools to Build a Solid Development Foundation During This Pandemic (Part II)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we shared in the November newsletter, 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...
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.
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.
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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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The Interconnected Role of the Catholic Parish, Church, and School
March 31, 2025
4 min
March 2025 Newsletter The Interconnected Role of the Catholic Parish, Church, and School: Understanding the Unity of...
ISPD Expands with New Regional Offices, Welcomes Two Associates
March 13, 2025
3 min
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.
