Description
This spring, the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton and the Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD) present a brand-new course designed around the 10 questions Catholic leaders ask most often—the questions that shape, direct, and challenge every school’s development, advancement, and enrollment efforts.
Over the last 36+ years, ISPD has listened carefully to presidents, principals, pastors, superintendents, board members, development directors, admissions professionals, and business managers. These 10 questions come up again and again—because they are the foundation of a thriving development system rooted in mission, belonging, and sustainable growth.
This course will provide practical, “nuts and bolts,” ready-to-implement processes, supported by proven best practices and real-world examples from Catholic schools across the country.
THE 10 QUESTIONS THAT WILL SHAPE OUR SPRING SEMESTER
- How do we build a true culture of development – not just fundraising – in our Catholic school?
- What structure, staffing, and roles are necessary for an effective, sustainable development/advancement system?
- How do we grow enrollment strategically – not reactively – and become a “school of choice”?
- How do we build and maintain strong constituent records and a database that drives all development efforts?
- What are the best ways to cultivate and communicate with parents, alumni, donors, and community partners?
- How do we establish a comprehensive, year-round Annual Fund and a Culture of Giving?
- How do we know if we are ready for a capital campaign?
- How do we create and sustain an engaged, mission-driven board that truly advances the school?
- How do I “ask” for money?
- What steps do we need to take to create a Strategic Growth Plan for the next 1-3-5 years?
Each class will break down 1-2 major question and provide step-by-step processes, sample templates, implementation tools, and reflection prompts that leaders can use immediately.
Course Schedule
Class 1: Thursday, January 29, 2026 – 10:00 AM CST
How do we build a true culture of development – not just fundraising – in our Catholic school?
Class 2: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – 10:00 CST
What structure, staffing, and roles are necessary for an effective, sustainable development/advancement system?
Class 3: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – 10:00 CST
How do we grow enrollment strategically – not reactively – and become a “school of choice”?
Class 4: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – 10:00 CST
How do we build and maintain strong constituent records and a database that drives all development efforts?
Class 5: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – 10:00 CST
What are the best ways to cultivate and communicate with parents, alumni, donors, and community partners?
Class 6: Thursday, April 16, 2026 – 10:00 AM CST
How do we establish a comprehensive, year-round Annual Fund and a Culture of Giving?
Class 7: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – 10:00 AM CST
How do we know if we are ready for a capital campaign? + How do I “ask” for money?
Class 8: Thursday, May 7, 2026 – 10:00 AM CST
How do we create and sustain an engaged, mission-driven board that truly advances the school? + What steps do we need to take to create a Strategic Growth Plan for the next 1-3-5 years?
Each session runs approximately 50–60 minutes.
CAN’T ATTEND LIVE? NO PROBLEM.
Every registrant receives:
- Full session recordings
- Complete PowerPoints
- All handouts, templates, and samples
- Lifetime access to materials
Learn on your schedule. Implement at your pace.
