Advancing Philanthropy at Girls’ Schools
Headways™ 2024-2025 Cohort Offering
Cohort Region: Global
Open To: All members of ICGS schools working in Advancement, Development, Fundraising, Alumnae Relations, or who have an interest in these topics
Facilitator: Merritt Colaizzi, Director of Advancement, Miss Hall’s School (USA)
Overview: The 2024-25 Advancement Headways is an opportunity for fundraising professionals to share with each other insights, best practices, and creative strategies that are working right now in schools. Different from years past, the program is designed to proliferate successes, accelerate support across all schools, and advance girls’ education.
Discussion Topics
October 9, 4:00 p.m. NYC / 8:00 p.m. London / October 10, 2024 7:00 a.m. Melbourne via Zoom
What Do We Need and Why?
In the first meeting, we will assess the cohort’s baseline, surface issues that are top-of-mind, and gauge individual experience across the spectrum of fundraising, communications, and alumnae relations. Emphasis will be placed throughout the program on knowledge sharing and mentoring new colleagues in the field.
Where are we individually and as a group? What roles, tools, and collaborations are imperative to create flexible strategy and an environment where our teams can adjust to emerging institutional needs, shifting priorities, and the continuous need for innovation?
November 13, 2024 3:00 p.m. NYC / 8:00 p.m. London / November 14, 2024 7:00 a.m. Melbourne via Zoom
Fundraising at This Moment
From new formats for engaging next-generation donors, to fresh takes on giving days, to new ways of talking about planned giving and endowment, how can effective fundraisers activate new ideas? Are you pursuing grants, foundation support, or strategic partnerships? What is working with your most promising donors?
January 22, 2025 3:00 p.m. NYC / 8:00 p.m. London / January 23, 2025 7:00 a.m. Melbourne via Zoom
Communication and Stewardship
What does donor engagement look like in 2024 and how are we communicating with our constituencies today? How are we using in-person gatherings, print and digital platforms, and hybrid opportunities to energize multiple generations of constituents? How are we recognizing and thanking donors in ways that resonate with them?
February 19, 2025 3:00 p.m. NYC / 8:00 p.m. London / February 20, 2025 7:00 a.m. Melbourne via Zoom
Tools of the Trade
This session is all about technology and fundraising: Zoom, AI, prospect management and research tools, virtual event platforms. content management systems, technology solutions in play in development shops. Can you make a big ask over zoom? How do you establish performance metrics and benchmarks for virtual events? What are our must-read/go-to resources on this topic?
March 5, 2025 3:00 p.m. NYC / 8:00 p.m. London / March 6, 2025 7:00 a,m, Melbourne via Zoom
Annual Giving & Capital Campaigns
Discuss the pros and cons of a comprehensive campaign, the rise of Donor Advised Funds and the role of annual giving in a campaign. How does endowment fit in? Is your campaign aligned with your strategic plan? Do you need a campaign consulting firm? How does a successful campaign committee function?
