Lake Forest City Schools. K-12 School Division
Case Study #1. Lake Forest City Schools. K-12 School Division
You are the Vice President of Development at Lake Forest City Schools (LFCS). The school district is over 75 years old, with a solid academic reputation and a large, supportive alumni base. However, fundraising has never been a high priority in the school district. The school receives about $250,000 per year in tax donations. Your mission is to build a development staff as well as a fundraising plan to support the growth and challenges facing the school over the next five years.
This assignment will be completed in two parts. Part one of the assignment is written in such a way that you will address key discussion points through research and elaboration.
Part two of the assignment requires you to compare and contrast two public funding sources (for example, government grants) and two private funding sources (for example, private donations and alumni donations) in K-12 and higher education. You will compare and contrast the eligibility requirements for obtaining each type of funding.
Create a development plan to address short-term and long-term strategies. Include the following:
Specify how to make immediate improvements to the chosen fundraising program.
What do you intend to use the donations for?
Detail two initiatives you will execute to convince community members and K-12 parents or institutions of higher education alumni to support your fundraising effort and increase their contributions to the school.
Explain technological and non-technological ways to approach alumni and encourage them to contribute or increase their contributions to the school.
Develop a long-term goal to grow the funding.
How will you accomplish this goal?
Identify two private and public funding entities.
Outline the process for obtaining the funding sources in a table.
Development Plan for Lake Forest City Schools
Immediate Improvements to the Fundraising Program
- Increase awareness: Develop a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy to raise awareness about the fundraising program. Utilize various channels such as social media, newsletters, and community events to reach a wider audience.
- Establish donor recognition: Implement a donor recognition program to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of individuals and organizations. This can include naming rights for facilities, plaques, or personalized acknowledgments.
Use of Donations
- Infrastructure improvements: Allocate funds to update and maintain school facilities, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and recreational areas.
- Technology enhancement: Invest in modern technology resources such as computers, software, and interactive learning tools to enhance the educational experience for students.
- Scholarships and grants: Create scholarships and grants for deserving students to pursue higher education or engage in extracurricular activities.
Initiatives to Convince Community Members and Parents/Alumni to Support Fundraising Efforts
- Community involvement events: Organize community events such as charity runs, auctions, or talent shows to engage community members, parents, and alumni. These events will not only raise funds but also create a sense of unity and involvement.
- Highlight success stories: Share success stories of students and alumni who have benefitted from the school’s programs. This will demonstrate the impact of donations and encourage community members to support the fundraising efforts.
Approaching Alumni for Contributions
- Technological approach: Utilize technology platforms such as social media, email campaigns, and personalized fundraising websites to reach out to alumni. Create engaging content that highlights the school’s achievements and encourages alumni to contribute.
- Non-technological approach: Establish an alumni relations team to personally connect with alumni through phone calls, letters, or in-person meetings. Foster relationships by organizing reunions, alumni networking events, and exclusive alumni gatherings.
Long-Term Goal for Funding Growth
Goal: Increase annual fundraising revenue by 20% over the next five years. Strategies:- Donor stewardship: Develop a comprehensive donor stewardship program to cultivate relationships with current donors, ensuring their continued support and potential increase in contributions.
- Major gift campaign: Launch a major gift campaign targeting high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations. This will involve personalized cultivation strategies, proposal development, and ongoing relationship management.
Private and Public Funding Entities
Private Funding Entities:- Private donations: Individuals, families, and businesses can make direct monetary contributions to support the school’s fundraising efforts.
- Alumni donations: Engaging with former students who have a strong connection to the school can lead to significant contributions.
- Government grants: Apply for grants provided by federal, state, or local government agencies that support educational initiatives.
- Corporate sponsorships: Develop partnerships with corporations that offer funding opportunities through corporate social responsibility programs or community development initiatives.
Table: Process for Obtaining Funding Sources
| Funding Source | Eligibility Requirements | Application Process |
|---|---|---|
| Private donations | Open to individuals, families, and businesses | Direct monetary contributions |
| Alumni donations | Former students with a connection to the school | Personalized outreach and engagement |
| Government grants | Eligibility criteria set by government agencies | Application submission following guidelines |
| Corporate sponsorships | Partnership with corporations through CSR programs | Proposal submission highlighting mutual benefits |