Fundraising Focus Programme
What if I told you that the key to successful school fundraising lies in a single word: strategy? It's not about pouring effort into every possible avenue; it's about focusing in on the right priorities.
Fundraising leaders in schools juggle a myriad of crucial tasks spanning major gifts, regular giving, legacy programmes and alumni relations. Not to mention the non-development tasks that frequently creep into their inboxes!
Amid this whirlwind, carving out time for fundraising can be tricky. And determining where your strategic fundraising focus should be can be even harder.
I understand first-hand that being strategic is the best way to filter out distractions and concentrate on the priorities that will deliver your targets without exhausting your entire team in the process.
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of strategic fundraising, regain control over your time, and achieve remarkable results?
-
Imagine reviewing your school's fundraising one-to-one with an experienced educational fundraiser to determine the strategic actions which will grow your philanthropic income.
-
Imagine implementing these actions alongside a team of supportive peers who keep you focused, confident and motivated.
-
Imagine reclaiming your time so that you can focus on the strategic projects which will actually build fundraising income over time.
To turn this vision into reality, I invite you to join me in the Fundraising Focus Programme.
"Juliet helped me understand the landscape in schools and refocus my time and energy strategically to transform our alumni programme to deliver great fundraising results quickly."
Your Fundraising Focus Programme
The Fundraising Focus Programme offers a small group experience alongside a group of three other school fundraising leaders, meeting on a 2-hour Zoom call each month. All calls will be facilitated by Juliet, giving you access to expert advice on the issues that matter most in your school.
On each call you will update the group with progress, receive expert advice on a question or issue holding you back, and set a goal for yourself to complete by the next call. Sharing your goals and being accountable for them to a supportive group of peers will encourage you to keep taking those crucial steps forward in your fundraising activities.
In addition, you will meet with Juliet on a 45-minute one-to-one call each term, to identify your next priorities and discuss ways to overcome the sticking points holding you back.
While school is unique, there are often similarities in the challenges facing fundraisers. Topics covered in recent fundraising advice sessions with Juliet have included:
-
Building an inspirational case for support
-
Testing a case for support with feasibility conversations
-
Structuring bursary fundraising programmes
-
Major gifts confidence
-
Giving days and telephone campaigns
-
Stewardship planning and giving circles
-
Educating senior leadership about schools fundraising
-
Making the case for further investment in fundraising
-
Building a high-performing team
I believe work should be a joy
I've found that successful fundraisers need to be happy in their job: proud to be a leader in their school, curious about what people in their community think and feel, and excited about sharing their enthusiasm with donors.
So I make sure the Fundraising Focus sessions are focused on results but get us there in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
"Juliet’s skilled guidance and leadership has helped us find a clear strategic focus so that we can concentrate our efforts and time productively to achieve our goals. Juliet has extensive experience of fundraising, has great listening and communication skills and her passion for strategy – and her ability to share her passion – make her a pleasure to work with."
Who is the Fundraising Focus Programme for?
This online programme is for you if:
-
You are the senior development professional in your school
-
It doesn't matter whether you manage a team or not - just that you are responsible for fundraising and have an influence over your school's fundraising strategy
This online programme isn't for you if:
-
There is someone more senior than you in your school with specific responsibility for fundraising - but you'd be very welcome to join us for one of our termly Planning Workshops for Support Staff
-
You want Juliet's undivided attention on your work - Juliet's one-to-one advice sessions might be better suited for you
Your guide to strategic fundraising: Juliet Corbett
Juliet Corbett specialises in helping school leaders to think and act more strategically, believing that this is the fastest, and most joyful, way to make the world a better place through education.
Host of the award-winning Independent School Podcast, Juliet brings the frequently bewildering topic of strategy to life. With over 20 years' experience in education fundraising, her mission is to make the daily work of school leaders and fundraisers more strategic and less exhausting.
Having successfully led three Development Offices in the UK and Australia, she guides other educational fundraisers with both expertise and compassion.
"I couldn't give Juliet's work any higher praise: she is a calm, supportive expert who is a huge benefit to the organisation and person she is supporting. Working with Juliet really was a game changer."
Working with Juliet
"I have referred many people to Juliet! Having been a practitioner Juliet understands the constant juggle between operational delivery in a busy school vs the long term necessity for impactful strategic development. She is a realist but also pushes back and doesn't allow empty excuses. She makes her clients want to do better and want to do more. She is a positive, calm force for good, and for change, in an industry that is still not well understood."
Rachael Henshilwood, Director of Partnerships and Development, St Edward's School, Oxford
"Juliet is an amazing listener and takes time to understand the context before sharing her insight or suggestions. This means she can get straight to the crux of issues rather than being distracted by any peripheral aspects. She also is very good at separating out organisational, structural and individual dimensions of challenges/situations. I think she is an outstanding coach and professional advisor."
Sam Davies, former Head of Philanthropy & Alumnae Engagement, Girls' Day School Trust
“Juliet guided, sense-checked, questioned, rehearsed and supported our work. I don't believe our outcomes would have been as successful if she had not been in the wings and on the end of Zoom every couple of weeks. She enabled me and my team to aim higher and more boldly than I would have felt able to do in the wake of global disruption. I can't thank her enough.”
Alexa Broad, Director of Development, Abingdon School
"Juliet has given me confidence on so many levels! She is easy to talk with, she has a fantastic knowledge and keeps up to date with current movements within the sector. I'd thoroughly recommend working with Juliet if you are starting out in Development, starting a appeal/campaign or as part of a CPD package."
Emma Styles, Head of Development, Colyton Grammar School
"As a team we were struggling with a lack of clarity on our strategy and an overload of tasks. Having worked with Juliet we now have a much better vision of our strategy, a framework to provide guidance and the confidence to say no!
"I couldn't give Juliet's work any higher praise: she is a calm, supportive expert who is a huge benefit to the organisation and person she is supporting. A massive thank you, Juliet. Working with you really was a game changer."
Ben Boswell, former Director of Development, Blundell's School
Investment
When you sign up for the Fundraising Focus Programme, you're not just making an investment; you're making a strategic move towards boosting your school's philanthropic income. Imagine the tangible impact - increased funds for priority projects, enhanced student experiences and a more resilient school supported by diversified income streams.
As a participant, you'll gain access to:
-
Monthly 2-hour Zoom calls within a group of four school fundraisers, led by Juliet Corbett
-
Termly 45-minute one-to-one Zoom call with Juliet to refine your fundraising strategy
-
A complimentary place at Juliet's Planning Workshop for School Support Staff: a 2-hour online workshop each term that guides you through a reflection and strategy-setting process
The Fundraising Focus Programme costs £300 per month + VAT, with an initial commitment of six months. If you commit to 12 months then the investment is reduced to £3,000 + VAT for the whole year.
"Juliet is great to work with. She gently guides you through the work required, supporting and provoking really considered thinking all the way along."