Private School Thrives with New Philanthropy Strategy
Notre Dame High School is a private parochial school for young men in grades 9-12 with a vibrant and diverse academic community.
Anchored in the Holy Cross mission, they work with boys to become college-and life-ready as they develop character to lead, compassion to serve, and the confidence to excel. TGC partnered with Notre Dame to conduct a development audit and provide recommendations for future growth.
Location
West Haven, CT
Services Provided
- Program Strategy
Evaluation & Planning - Leadership & Board Training
The Need
Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT, is experiencing change. Starting with a new school president, the school has transformed its administration from one reliant on a working board of directors to one with experienced staff able to run the day-to-day operations. With these changes, the development team sees an opportunity to increase philanthropy by tapping into the school’s intensely loyal alumni. The school is looking for guidance during this transition with its board and with its alumni, parents, and donors.
The Solution
TGC conducted a development audit and assessment and made recommendations for the board and for its development programs for future growth. Knowing that change does not happen overnight, TGC is working with the Notre Dame Board of Directors on a philanthropic strategic plan including training on how to transition from a working board to a philanthropic board. In terms of its development programs, TGC is providing ongoing counsel for strategic communications fostering a culture of philanthropy, for major and planned giving programs, and for a potential campaign.
The Impact
Since partnering with TGC, the school leadership, Foundation board, and development team are thinking strategically and cohesively about philanthropy and how to integrate a new culture into the school. TGC is providing counsel for a new major and planned giving initiative for scholarship, athletics, arts enrichment, endowment and capital projects in excess of $40 million.
