By Lara GoppMarketing Manager| Fortify Foundation How intentional marketing, advancement planning, and endowment development in the summer can strengthen schools for generations to come For many Christian schools, fundraising follows the rhythm of the school year. Fall brings annual campaigns; spring includes events and giving initiatives, and year-end appeals arrive in December. By the time…
What Can It Do for Your Christian School? By Ruston PierceFundraising & Capital Campaign Manager | Fortify Foundation What is your school’s story? Why does it exist? What would your community miss if your school stopped existing today? Is your school rooted in faith, mission, and a commitment to shaping the hearts and minds of students for the…
Learning from Oxford By Brandon Allen Executive Director | Fortify Foundation New College of Oxford has a rich history as one of the oldest colleges under the Oxford University umbrella in England being founded in 1379. It was the modern marvel of its day and even was the first to capture what has become known…
Why Great Christian Schools Struggle to Raise Money By Lara GoppMarketing Manager| Fortify Foundation Understanding the difference between marketing and public relations may be the key to stronger donor trust, more effective communication, and sustainable endowment growth. A head of school once shared a frustration that many Christian education leaders quietly carry. “Families love our…
Why Every Christian School Needs a Strategic Plan By Dr. Brian Simmons Introduction Strategic planning is determining in advance a strategy of action toward a desired objective. It has been saidthat failing to plan is planning to fail! A corollary to this truism is organizations that need strategic planning the most do it the least and those who need…
Balancing Mission with Resources By Edward Earwood | SCACS Director / VP of AACS In the pursuit of fulfilling God’s calling, many Christian education leaders find themselves laser-focused on the mission—sharing the gospel, discipling believers, educating the next generation, and serving communities. This focus is noble, necessary, and deeply biblical. Yet, in our zeal to…
Why Audience Clarity is Essential for Christian School Sustainability By Lara GoppMarketing Manager| Fortify Foundation Early in my career, I took part in a leadership training that focused on the study of taxonomy, examining how different demographics receive, interpret, and respond to language. The research was rigorous and practical, and it reshaped how I approached…
2026 New Year, New Strategy! BBy Ruston PierceFundraising & Capitol Campaign Manager | Fortify Foundation As Christian nonprofits, schools, and churches think about 2026, fundraising success will depend less on isolated campaigns and more on clear strategy, disciplined execution, and strong donor relationships. Put bluntly, relationships will be higher priority than events. Because of economic uncertainty,…
Learning from the Past to Secure the Future By Brandon Allen Executive Director | Fortify Foundation If you could go back in time, what might be some things that you would do differently?Would you approach your education with greater intentionality?Would you show greater appreciation to those who shaped your life?Would you steward your finances with…
Tools to Support, Not Replace, Your Team By Lara GoppMarketing Manager| Fortify Foundation As Marketing Manager for Fortify Foundation, I get the opportunity to attend Christian school conferences across the country throughout the year. This year, a recurring theme in conversations with marketing and advancement leaders stood out: Should we use AI and if so,…