Advancing Your School's Advancement with Tim Breslin

The Catholic School Leaders Podcast

Apr 8 2024 • 39 mins

In this episode our guest Tim Breslin, Senior Development Director at Duke University, who shares his extensive experience in school advancement and fundraising.

The discussion covers the importance of advancement for schools at various stages - contemplating, starting, and improving their efforts.

Tim offers advice on getting started with advancement, including the significance of leadership and the need to invest time and resources. He emphasizes the importance of asking for donations, utilizing community resources, and respecting the culture of giving within the school community.

Strategies for thanking donors creatively and the role of leadership in supporting advancement efforts are also shared.

Tim encourages schools to focus on fundamentals, utilize indicators of potential donors within their community, and leverage opportunities like matching gifts to maximize their fundraising potential.


00:23 Introducing Tim Breslin: A Journey Through Advancement

01:48 The Three Stages of School Advancement

02:33 Starting Your School's Advancement Journey: Tips and Strategies

05:32 Building a Culture of Giving: Engaging Teachers and Parents

09:16 Transforming Parent Organizations: From Fundraisers to Friend-Raisers

22:36 Maximizing Success in School Advancement: Strategies and Insights

28:49 Navigating Challenges and Rebuilding Credibility in Advancement Efforts

35:47 Fundamental Strategies for Elevating Your School's Advancement Efforts

39:01 Closing Thoughts and the Importance of Community Engagement