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Fundraising Stories
The Critical Role of the School Foundation in the Next Decade
Oct 12, 2007
A keen sense of competition. Sophistication. Non-traditional methods of fundraising. In years past, education foundations may not have had to put those concepts into action to remain successful. That isn’t the case for today’s foundations.
A keen sense of competition. Sophistication. Non-traditional methods of fundraising.In years past, education foundations may not have had to put those concepts into action to remain successful. That isn’t the case for today’s foundations.
As Dan McCormick told his audience during the opening keynote address in the second annual National School Foundation Association conference, the playing field isn’t the same as it was 25 years ago when his work with foundations was just beginning.
Competition for the donor’s dollar has increased, requiring foundations to become more innovative in their fundraising efforts. The amount of money a district needs to raise has grown substantially, according to McCormick, stressing that foundations must now become more sophisticated in their thinking and approach to fundraising.
Non-traditional methods of garnering the philanthropic dollar might include deferred or planned giving. Down the road, many organizations could even create a community-wide effort by collaborating with other fundraising entities or sharing common resources.
That concept could lead to what McCormick calls a “domescape” – a central resource system that accommodates infrastructure needs for numerous organizations while allowing the same organizations to autonomously continue their work. Inside the domescape, all internal aspects of operating the organizations are being carried out, while staff and volunteers outside the core focus on fundraising and advancing their respective missions.
The manner of operation and methods of fundraising may vary, but education foundations have a common goal: to raise money for students in their district by stimulating interest in a good cause.
“A school foundation can be successful at any level,” says McCormick. “They also have the unique opportunity to create a positive image for themselves within their district and the community.”
“The fact that they are engaged in the endeavor of encouraging private enterprise to make something different happen in their schools creates a community presence above and beyond what a school district could achieve,” said McCormick.
For more information, contact:
Dan McCormick
CEO and Founder
McCormick Group (843) 838-4656
