Development Directions
ISPD’s team writes a monthly newsletter on advancement, enrollment management, and strategic planning in Catholic schools and parishes.
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...
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....
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.
A Pause for Prayer, A Cause for Mourning
January 3, 2025
10 min
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)
December 13, 2024
6 min
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)
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...
