Let partnerships power your school's development plans

As a Corporate Partner, we’ve been really impressed by the organisational strength of IDPE’s regional networks. Over the past few months, our directors at Gifted have had the opportunity to learn from those working in all kinds of schools and hear about big visions that often come with a variety of fundraising challenges.

‘The opportunity to navigate obstacles and find guidance in the experience of someone who’s been there before you, are real benefits of the IDPE regional meetings,’ says Gifted’s Chris Goldie. ‘At the Thames group meeting in Aylesbury, we considered the reluctance of some school leaders to invest in external support for feasibility studies. Together, we were able to identify the benefits of engaging an independent eye and seeking advice drawn from wide experience both inside and outside the School Sector.’

Leading a Webinar session on a similar theme, ‘Fundraising Feasibility Studies: Preparing for success’, Amy Stevens, Gifted’s director in Leeds, guided participants from across the country on how to achieve the very best outcomes during the early stages of a project or programme. ‘Getting it right from the word go is what schools should be clearly focused on,’ says Amy. ‘A robust study that properly identifies your landscape of support and helps to secure the leadership you’ll need, can make all the difference to your chances of success down the track.’

 Legacy potential

This month, the benefits of legacies in securing long term financial sustainability will be the topic of two further regional meetings in Exeter and Salisbury. Gifted’s directors have been invited to share their insights on how to set up a dynamic legacy programme that focuses on life, not death - and creatively engages donors with initiatives aimed at strengthening their relationship with the School

 Cutting your teeth on a capital campaign

We are also looking forward to partnering with Jo Joyce from Wimbledon High School at this year’s IDPE Conference in June. Chris Goldie will be joining Jo to lead a ‘How To’ session on Delivering your first major capital campaign. Having worked together on Wimbledon’s Project Ex-Humilibus for over a year now, Chris and Jo plan to tell it like it is, giving those new to the capital fundraising world a tried and tested road map for taking big ambitions forward.

If you’re interested in learning more about what’s happening at IDPE or like the idea of hosting an event in your region, take a look here. Alternatively, to arrange an initial, no-obligations discussion of your school’s fundraising plans, why not get in touch with one of our directors.