Cultivation & Stewardship without (yet) another expensive event

1. Cultivation & Stewardship without (yet) another expensive event Presented by: Amy Hall, Advancement Director Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle WA June 22, 2010 PNAIS Conference

2. What is cultivation & stewardship? • Cultivation: to promote or improve the growth of something (relationship) by labor and attention and to develop or improve by education or training • Stewardship: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something ; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care • Cultivation is more about the process by which you improve and grow the relationship with a donor. • Stewardship is the follow up and thank you after a gift is made. It should not be a one time thing and in many ways can be included in the cultivation process.

3. Cycle of giving

4. Traditional cultivation/stewardship events common in schools • House parties • VIP receptions • Auctions • Fundraising dinners • Cocktail parties • Golf tournaments • Grandparents’ luncheons • Groundbreakings • Dedications • Etc, etc, etc • TYPICALLY STAND ALONE EVENTS

5. Traditional events are: • Often expensive • Time intensive • Community builders • Friend builders • Can be good fun • Good PR How can you limit the first two and not sacrifice the last four?

6. Take what our school already does well…. ..And turn these things into engagement opportunities that are free (or almost-free) and significantly less of a development staff time commitment AND… sometimes even more effective!

7. The possibilities really are endless! Assemblies Pep rallies Drama performances Games Music performances Chaperoning Tutoring Class speakers Website coverage Volunteering Retirements Lunch in the cafeteria Peer screening Religious events Senior events Field trips Retreats Career fairs Committees, board, advisory Art shows Auction items Professional services Features in newsletters Heads up on big news Announcements (school play)

8. Opportunities for specific audiences • Extended families- grandparents (concerts, religious events) • Alumni (pep rallies, graduation, concerts, open house, games) • Past parents (games/activities their kids participated in) • Past staff (assemblies, retirements, social gatherings with faculty/staff)

9. Critical for success • Make sure the ‘right’ people know donors/prospective donors are attending • Introduce VIPs as appropriate • Special parking, seating, hospitality • Who should host guests/sit with them? • Acknowledgement, follow-up

10. ‘Woops!’ • Behavior/language • Bad game • Cancellation • Less than impressive performance • Dress Good planning helps but be prepared for mishaps. If handled appropriately donors will be forgiving.

11. Steps for success • Get on all lists, email groups, distributions possible • Attend staff and faculty meetings • Get your finance team, principal/head of school & key admin on board • Partner with teachers, coaches, moderators so they understand benefits • Present plans to board • THANK and credit (publically) staff, faculty, board, etc

12. Need other cultivation ideas? Other schools Colleagues Staff Faculty Students Alumni Parents Coaches Clergy Web Donors

13. Thank you! Amy Hall, Advancement Director Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle WA ahall@bishopblanchet.org 206.226.5679