Advancement Leaders Training Program Curriculum

The seven areas of training outlined below form the structure for this executive training program, specifically designed to prepare Advancement Officers to serve with greater competency and expanded capacity. The bullets under each section identify the various presentations that will be offered over a two year cycle, delivered during Fall conferences and the Annual Meetings – a total of over 35 different workshops as part of the training program.

Advancement Leader Role & Responsibilities

• The Essential Characteristics of an Effective Advancement Officer
• Advancement Practices that Breed Success
• Leading from the 2nd Chair – Advancement Officer’s Boundaries & Initiatives
• Embracing the Resource Development Role of the Institution
• Framing the Work of Advancement
• Sustainability Secrets for a Road Warrior

Biblical Foundations of Stewardship

• Generosity & the Character of Christ
• Owner or Steward – a Powerful Paradigm Shift
• The Fundraising Joy of a Steward Leader
• Stewardship – A Biblical Foundation for Advancement Ministry

Annual Fund Design and Execution

• Understanding the Annual Fund Design & Strategy
• The Secrets and Essentials of Effective Fundraising Events
• Planning the Annual Calendar and Assigning Responsibilities
• Donor Research – Mining Important Data from Donor Records & Research
• The Role & Potential of Volunteers
• Increasing Your Power of Annual Fund Execution
• Setting & Achieving Annual Fund Goals
• Reporting Data & Telling the Story

Advancement & Presidential Partnership

• Presidential Engagement in Resource Development – Seizing the Potential
• The Synergy of a Strong Advancement Officer & Presidential Partnership
• Partnership Patterns that Work & Mistakes to Avoid
• What the President Needs to Know About Donors & Fundraising
• Engaging the Board & Other Institutional Leaders

Effective Communications & Marketing

• The Art and Science of Writing a Compelling Case Statement
• Creatively Telling the Institutional Story – Mission & Students
• Effective and Meaningful Donor Appreciation
• Social Media Skills & Trends
• Website Design to Support Fundraising
• Donor Software – Selection, Maintenance & Deliverables

Donor Relations & Major Donor Development

• Understanding the Mind & Heart of a Donor
• The Making of an Effective Ask – Closing the Invitation
• Creative Tips for Building Extraordinary Donor Relationships
• Acquisition & Cultivation of Major Donors
• Moves Management – The Art & Science
• An Effective Strategy for Planned Giving Engagement 
• Understanding & Tapping the World of Foundation Grants

Capital Campaigns & Major Projects

• Conducting a Capital Campaign Readiness Audit – Knowing When You’re Ready
• Understanding the Design and Flow of a Capital Campaign – Getting It Right
• Conducting an Effective Feasibility Study – Why & How
• Planning & Executing an Effective Capital Campaign – Doing It Well
• Selecting Professional Assistance – When & How
• Campaign Staffing for Success – Paid & Volunteer
• Campaign Risks & Rewards – Mistakes to Avoid