When enrollment dips or budgets tighten small school leaders quickly turn to development as a solution. But development is not a rescue plan, it’s a long-term revenue strategy.
In this session, Jill Goodman, founder of Jill Goodman Consulting, will reframe development as a core component of financial sustainability rather than a hopeful fix for budget shortfalls. Jill will bust the myths that undermine development efforts, including overreliance on events, unrealistic goal setting, and the search for the one big donor who will solve all problems. She will also share development truths through practical examples and real-world case studies. Participants will learn how to reframe their thinking about development by
- Diversifying revenue streams beyond tuition dependence.
- Building leadership giving relationship pipelines.
- Aligning finance and development around shared strategy.
- Eliminating activities that cannibalize time and revenue capacity.
- Investing wisely in development to cultivate long-term partnerships.
School leaders will leave with a clearer understanding of how to move from reactive fundraising to a disciplined, multi-year financial strategy that positions their school for sustainable growth.
