CASE Presents: Building a Development Office That Works-CASE Presents - Kings School

CASE Presents - Kings School - Presentation

Pdf Summary

Nick Gilbert’s presentation outlines how to build an effective development office and work productively with governors.<br /><br />Before September 2025, no fundraising was taking place. The King’s Gift Campaign was launched that month to support capital projects and bursaries. With a small team—0.7 of a Development Director and 0.6 of a Head of Alumni—the school introduced a fundraising and engagement strategy, strengthened internal and external relationships, and focused on major-donor research. The campaign raised £525,000 in cash and pledges for the bursary endowment fund, due by the end of 2028, and £419,000 in cash for the Performing Arts Centre. Engagement among former pupils, staff and parents reached 60%.<br /><br />Governors contribute through strategic direction, constructive support and challenge, accountability, and oversight of the school’s legal, charitable and governance responsibilities. Development teams should manage expectations: major gifts take time, regular giving requires sustained effort, and results should be assessed with realistic targets informed by sufficient data and sector benchmarking.<br /><br />Not every governor needs to be closely involved. Identifying interested governors—especially alumni governors—as advocates can help keep the board informed, open doors and strengthen donor relationships. Governors may also help by introducing prospects, hosting events, offering strategic advice and expanding networks; their contribution should not be judged only by personal giving.<br /><br />Reports to governors should focus on progress against agreed objectives, risks and opportunities, and relevant trends. They should provide strategic information rather than operational detail. The development lead should brief the chair and other relevant stakeholders before board meetings so that significant issues do not come as a surprise.

Keywords

development office

governors

fundraising strategy

King's Gift Campaign

bursary endowment

major donor research

alumni engagement

capital projects

board reporting

governance oversight