Because of the unique economic conditions we are facing, the theme of this year’s Advancement Partners summer seminar is ‘Philanthropy in Challenging Economic Times’. It will be held at the University of Notre Dame from August 5-7, 2009. If you have not received our formal invitation to attend by April 20th, please contact me and I’ll make sure you get one. In the meantime, for more information, visit our seminar minisite.
Yes, the unique economic circumstances are having an impact on our advancement efforts, however, the need for philanthropic support has never been greater! More families are facing job losses and are having difficulties making tuition payments. That increases the demand for financial aid and means our annual funds must be meeting this challenge of raising the money required to provide additional financial assistance. Our capital needs have not disappeared either! We still need the new gym, increased endowment, renovated or additional classrooms, the new science lab. None of these needs will go away. So, our annual summer seminar will address key issues such as:
- Maximizing your advancement results in challenging economic times
- Increasing funding for operating needs (tuition assistance, annual fund, etc.)
- Getting it all done with fewer human resources
- Shifting gears from a “capital campaign” mindset to a “major gift initiative” mindset
- Using planned giving as a key element of your school’s financial future
- Re-engineering the Board for greater advancement impact
- Creating a financial plan for needed school projects outside of standard operations
- Executing effective major gift solicitation
- Mapping your development plan
If you are planning to attend an advancement seminar this summer, this would be an excellent choice. It will be the most intensive seminar we have done and will help you deal with the challenges we are all facing. I look forward to seeing you at Notre Dame!
