"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir

Banff, the location of our most recent National Conference, provided a special sort of inspiration. The mountain setting and special Western hospitality made for a most memorable experience and I for one received much more than I had sought. The conference program provided many opportunities to reflect and learn new ideas, but as always the power of the national conference was the networking with colleagues from coast to coast!  The conference presentations are posted on the CAISAP website for everyone's future reference.  On behalf of all the attendees, thanks again to our conference host school, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir, and the Conference Committee for their efforts.

My heartfelt congratulations to the 2009 Rising Star and Sam Heaman Award recipients, your commitment and work in our CAIS schools is extraordinary!   Photographs and details may be found in this newsletter.

Our new and faithful sponsors are vital to our organization. We are very grateful for the support of Whipple Hill in hosting our CAISAP website and future plans may see enhanced website features for our members. We were delighted to have Ross W. Marsh & Associates as our new national conference presenting sponsor and I know you will enjoy reading this issue’s 5 Minutes with . . . Ross Marsh.  

Our next national conference will be hosted by Appleby College (Oakville, Ontario) in January 2011 – please make future plans in your PD budget to attend!  In between our national conference, we will continue to offer regional professional development days at no or low cost – stay tuned for details in your region.

The new CAISAP executive met while in Banff and has recently met via teleconference. Our first priority is to strike a new Strategic Plan for our organization. Together we have accomplished all of the goals set out in our July 2003 plan which included: national and regional professional development, newsletter and website development, introduction of the mentor programme, revised guidelines, increased involvement in CAISAP, and finally increased communications with our Heads of School.  Obviously some of these goals will be continued; however, we will identify new items to serve our members. With this in mind, if there are goals you wish the CAISAP Executive to explore, please contact me at info@caisap.ca.

One key strategic focus is to continue to build on our mentor program.  Many new mentor matches were made at the Banff conference; however, if you did not attend and are interested in being a mentor or finding a mentor please fill out the mentor application available on our website.

Thank you for the opportunity to renew my term as President. I look forward to working with CAISAP volunteers to continue to provide relevant professional development, networking opportunities and expanded services for our schools' advancement professionals.

Jeanette Hepburn
President, CAISAP

The CAISAP 2009 National Conference was held January 29-31, 2009 at the beautiful Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta. The theme for the conference was Managing Today's Fundraising Expectations. With close to 100 professionals participating in the conference, it was a great opportunity for sharing and learning.

Don't forget CAISAP is now a CFRE approved Education Provider. The CFRE points tracker sheet can help you easily keep track of your Education points.

We invite you to browse our Conference photo gallery.

Ross Marsh, Principal, Ross W. Marsh and Associates

What is your professional background and how did you enter the world of philanthropy?

After graduating from university I had an extremely short career as a banker, quickly realizing that I had made a career-choice error. Like many people at that time – 19 years ago – I kind of fell into this type of work almost unwittingly. My start came from a personal friendship I had with someone who had seen me “at work” in a couple of different voluntary organizations and who was a vice president of a major fundraising consulting firm at the time. He coaxed me straight into the consulting world (something that could never happen nowadays). I remember thinking, “I’ll do this for a few years and then figure out what I am really going to do with my life.” I quickly fell in love with my work and now could not possibly think of doing anything else. We are so privileged to be able to do the kind of work we do. Many fundraisers, especially some of the younger ones, seem not to realize that.  

What impact will the current economic down turn have on philanthropy, specifically related to independent schools?

At the macro-level across the whole charitable sector, it will have a  very small net effect. However, there will be lots of shifting in terms of gift sources and recipient organizations. In terms of sources of gifts, corporations will cut back the most, and most quickly; individuals, in the aggregate, will hold pretty steady; and there will be quite a lot of variation in the foundation sector, with some suspending granting this year, some increasing granting precisely because times are more difficult right now, and everything in between. There are four key factors that I think bode well for the independent school sector when it comes to surviving, and yes even thriving, in this environment:

1. Right now there is what I call a “flight to quality” by donors – they want to give money to organizations that are strong, stable, do good things and do good fund development work. I think most independent schools in Canada represent that kind of quality.
2. For most independent schools in Canada the vast majority of their philanthropic support comes from individuals, the donor segment that will hold up best, on the whole, through these times.
3. Independent schools have in spades what most other charities have to work much harder to develop – affinity, loyalty and a strong “what’s in it for me” factor.
4. Recognition on the part of some very forward-thinking donors that while education may not be the immediate place to alleviate the effects of the economic downturn on society (the research shows a definite shift, not surprisingly, toward the social services sector primarily) it IS a key place to ingrain long-term systemic changes that may help avoid some future economic difficulties. I had one prominent philanthropist, whom I think is a very visionary man, share with me his belief that an education with significant components of economics, ethics and history could possibly help avoid what he called the “excesses and outright ignorance of how economics works” that has, in his view, played a major role in creating our current economic difficulties. Now how about that as a testament to the power of education!

What advantages do independent schools have related to other sectors in fighting for market share of philanthropic dollars?

Largely as I noted above: the quality of what you do; the well-defined nature, in relative terms, of your donor bases; and the fact that education is one of the few things that can really change the world. This last point is so important I think: never forget that what you are offering donors to your schools is the opportunity to change the lives of young people and by extension the world. It really is that big.

What disadvantages do independent schools have related to other sectors in fighting for market share of philanthropic dollars?

The disadvantage is the flip-side of a relatively well-defined donor base. For some schools that becomes a mental trap and the fund development program never breaks out beyond parents and alumni. Look at the great independent schools in this country and to a larger extent in the US – they raise significant funds from donors that are neither parents nor alumni, but that do want to support educational excellence.

What are your suggestions to independent school advancement professionals in planning for the next couple of years?

Now is the time to be better than ever at what you do. There is no question that the current environment, despite my general optimism, is going to make all of our jobs more challenging. So get better, and in my view getting better means getting closer than ever to your donors, through great relationships and great stewardship. The tangible and less tangible payoffs for doing so will begin immediately and will be long-lasting.

Renee Gallant, Director of Development at Pickering College in Newmarket, Ontario, couldn’t say enough wonderful things about her first experience of the CAISAP Conference held in Banff in January. “The speakers were phenomenal and the sessions full of great new ideas and timely reminders. The sense of community and the opportunity to network with like-minded Canadian colleagues was sensational.” 

Renee has a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit fundraising sector. Her previous work with the ALS Society, CNIB, University of Toronto and York University Foundation gave her a breadth of advancement experience that has prepared her well for her current position at Pickering College. A life-long learner, Renee has chosen to focus her ongoing professional development on independent school issues and strategies.

Renee commends the conference planning team for hosting an extremely well-organized, informative and fun event for the attendees. She particularly enjoyed the non-competitive relationships developed with other independent school advancement professionals and looks forward to sharing ideas and information with new friends.

When asked if she would recommend this conference to other advancement professionals she replied, “In a heartbeat!”  You can’t get a better reference than that!

CAISAP is committed to encouraging the sharing of ideas between our members and their independent schools. In each eQuarterly we will highlight a topic or insight from a colleague. This is a great way for you to share what's going on at your school, or to find out what others are doing at their school. If you have a Bright Idea for the next newsletter, email 

This month's bright idea is from CAISAP Volunteer Lori Adam.

Looking for a unique way to thank your scholarship and financial aid donors? Lori Adam at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, together with Peter Gardiner, Associate Director of Advancement, organizes a pizza party “Thank-A-Thon”.  Senior students are invited to volunteer if they have received financial aid or scholarship, to assist with their SMUS education.

Lori says, “The students are enthusiastic and the donors love the personal aspect of being thanked by someone who has benefitted from their generosity.” 

They provide opening scripts for the students and advise them to smile, relax and enjoy the conversation. This lets the students share their personal view of SMUS while learning about the SMUS experience of their donors. 

Lori’s Helpful Tips for student callers will bring a smile to your face – and they are a great reminder for all of us.

	Smile while you speak. It REALLY does make a difference!
	Personalize the call – Relax and enjoy yourself.  You were chosen because of who you are.
	Remember that the person on the other end of the phone will be thrilled to get your call!
	Be proud to share your success.  It will make them proud to know they’ve made a difference in your life!

What better way to educate our students about the value of giving back to their school. Making a thank you call completes the circle. It provides a valuable lesson about philanthropy for the student and a wonderful, personal, thank you for the donor. Lori says, “Donors can’t believe that the call is merely a thank you – they are surprised to learn that they are not being asked for a gift”. The response by the students is even more amazing – they loved doing it!

Thank you Lori, for sharing your Bright Idea!

The Rising Star Award is presented biennially to recognize a new independent school advancement professional who has accomplished incredible things through their dedication and commitment to their school, the profession and CAISAP. Congratulations to the Class of 2009 Rising Stars!

Above, from left: Lori Adam (Award Co-Chair), Ailee Rouse, David Hutchison,
Caroline Banadar, and Laura Edwards (Award Co-Chair) in Banff.

Caroline Banadar is the Assistant Director of Advancement at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. She has been involved in all aspects of the operations and management of the Advancement Office from marketing, communications, annual giving and alumni relations. She has been particularly effective in helping to reconnect alumni with the school by seeking out opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community.

During a time of transition and reduced staffing in the Advancement Office, Ms. Banadar has stepped up to manage many other tasks in addition to her own responsibilities. She has earned the respect of all constituents within the STS community including alumni, current and past parents, staff and students.

David Hutchison is in his third year as Director of Shawnigan Lake School's Annual Fund. Last year under David's direction, the SLS Annual Fund brought in $903,000. This year the target is an ambitious $1,000,000 and is possible due to the eagerness, skills and determination David brings to the art of fundraising.
 
David is marvellously well organized, efficient and dedicated. He brings a terrific skill set to fundraising in general and the mechanics of an annual fund in particular. David brings a diverse and fitting background to fundraising -  he is a teacher by training, has been a house director and coach. He is helpful, patient and demonstrates solid leadership.

Ailee Rouse is the Alumni Development Annual Giving Officer at Royal St. George’s College. She has cultivated relationships and has worked hard to grow the Alumni/Alumni Parent network. As well, she has strived to create an “advancement” culture throughout the entire school. As a result, the faculty and staff have come to a superior understanding of the role that we all must play in the advancement of the College and all our schools.

Ailee has made a tremendous impact at her school in a very short period of time. In just two short years, Ailee is already performing like a seasoned professional.

To view past winners of the Rising Star Award, click here.

The Sam Heaman Award was created in 1992 and honours advancement professionals who have provided outstanding service to CAISAP, the profession in the context of Canadian independent schools, and to their own schools. This award attests to sustained proficiency in development activities during their careers in CAIS schools, and to their exemplary level of leadership in and commitment to the profession and its enhancement in Canada.

This year’s recipients have excess of 80 years of advancement experience between them. All of them have a passion for their schools and have made a significant difference to their organisations.

Above, from left: Sam Heaman Award Recipients, Derek Fraser, Vicky Wilgress, 
Robin Kester for Cathy Reeves, and Bryan Rose for Brian Iggulden.

Derek Fraser knows independent schools. He is a Ridley College alumnus and has served as the Assistant Director of Development at Ridley College, Director of Advancement at St. George's School and the Director of Advancement at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. He understands every facet of independent school advancement and is a great mentor - always willing to assist his peers. Though he has recently left the independent school sector, he was the most committed member of CAISAP – organising Professional Development, including inviting the CAISAP conference to Banff, and serving as the CAISAP President.

Currently, Derek is the Campaign Director at The Mustard Seed in Calgary and the President of AFP Calgary - one of the largest chapters in the country.

Brian Iggulden was the Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (1987- 2008) at Ridley College and now serves as the Deputy Head. Ridley College provided early leadership in the field of advancement for other schools across the country.

Brian is the third generation of Igguldens at Ridley and has a huge passion and loyalty to the school. He is the face of Ridley for generations of students. He has hosted two CAISAP conferences and is a Past President of CAISAP.

Cathy Reeves was the Executive Director of Advancement at The Sterling Hall School (1994-2008). She founded advancement at the school and created the culture of philanthropy there. Her passionate advocacy for independent school education is a major contributor to making Sterling Hall the school it is today.

Her commitment to the field is infectious; her daughter, Robin Kester, is the current Director of Advancement at The York School.

Vicky Wilgress’ passion for Ashbury College is palpable. She has held many senior development positions at the school since 1987 and is currently the Director of Stewardship and Gift Planning. She has not missed a single CAISAP conference, she hosted the 1994 CAISAP conference and is a Past President of CAISAP.

Vicky helped blaze the development trail in Canada in independent schools and also through her work with the United Way in Ottawa.

To view past winners of the Sam Heaman Award, click here.

Sharon Cozens, Director of Advancement at Trafalgar School for Girls and Geneviève Delaquis, Director of the Annual Fund at Balmoral Hall are the new coordinators of the CAISAP Mentorship Programme. The goal of the programme is to encourage conversations between experienced members and those with less experience, especially those who are new to a school. Our CAISAP group is a close one and we can offer all kinds of support to one another.

At the recent conference in Banff, Sharon added some 20 mentors and 30 protégés to the list (with very little cajoling) and has paired up the majority of them. They will be contacted in the next week and will be given their team member’s name and contact info so that the learning can begin.

There are more protégés than mentors at the moment. If you can offer occasional guidance to someone please contact Sharon as soon as possible. Or, if you missed the conference or missed getting on the list, let her know as well.

Does the phrase “Snatch the pebble from my hand, Grasshopper.” mean anything to any of you? We can all be a great resource to one another. Thanks everyone.

A Successful Mentor Pair

Jaime McMillan, mentor from Selwyn House, and protégé Barb Leighton of Armbrae Academy have been teamed up for over two years. Being involved in the mentorship programme has been a valuable experience and they would recommend it highly to all CAISAP members, no matter their number of years in the business.

“Why struggle with something or reinvent the wheel when you could just call a mentor for advice? People should not feel embarrassed about asking for help”, says Jaime.

At the beginning, Barb and Jaime conversed fairly regularly but now the calls are more sporadic. Barb will call if she has a question, and if Jaime hasn’t heard from her in a while, he’ll contact her just to check in. The fact that the two schools don’t have the same profile is not an issue. In their case, the questions all have to do with fundraising, governance or working with major donors.

Jaime says that “the experience is tremendous.” He enjoys helping people. “Everyone has knowledge or a specialty to share. Mentors get the satisfaction of helping someone.” Barb adds “Mentees get advice that they can put to use immediately. It’s a win-win situation for our schools.”

The activities of CAISAP are led by the CAISAP Executive which is comprised of Officers and Directors. If you are interested in getting involved, you may contact the appropriate individuals listed below.

Committee Volunteers are still needed for Mentoring, 2011 Conference, Nominating Committee and Regional PD.

Thank you CAISAP Executive and all our volunteers for contributing to the profession and to the Advancement of our schools.

We wish to extend a fond farewell to our CAISAP colleagues who have moved on to other opportunities and a very warm welcome to those who are new to our community. 

The Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School welcomes Dinnie Baker as Director of Advancement.

Branksome Hall bids farewell to Erin Sargeant Greenwood who is now the Associate Vice President, Annual Giving and Planned Giving at the University of Waterloo and welcomes Donna Richardson as Director of Advancement.

St. Michaels University School welcomes Gillian Donald as Alumni Associate from the Richard Ivey School of Business.

If your advancement team has had any staff changes please remember to update your profile on the CAISAP Membership Directory. Should you wish to include the announcement in a future issue of Transitions, please email it to info@caisap.ca .