“Dedicated Board committees have been essential to establishing the comprehensive strategic plans that drive our annual fundraising and enrollment goals. Our committees invest professional expertise and foster engaged discussions to generate clear, concise goals and action plans. Their input is integral to developing and executing our advancement strategies.”
Committee Activation and Impact
Effective Boards are organized for action through a strong committee structure. The Board identifies issues for committees and allows work to be done in committee and brought back to the Board, enabling the most effective and efficient use of members’ time and talents. Three rules apply when working together: Committees work. Boards decide. Agendas rule.
Each committee has a clear and concise charge (Finance, Development, Enrollment, Facilities, Governance) and works with the school leadership to set and achieve goals. The Governance Committee plays a pivotal role in recruiting and maintaining the right talent to ensure the Board is mission-driven, data-informed and focused on the school’s future.
Quick Case
St. Mary Magdalen School (Wilmington, DE), featured in The Art of the Ask, continues to build success in development and enrollment in large part through the action-oriented committees of its Board, working with school leadership and staff. Development and enrollment results include:
- $62k raised in the recent NCEA-sponsored Day of Giving (including a $25k match from a donor) – the second highest raised in the country
- $132k raised in the school’s Annual Fund (2020-21 total, exceeding goal and higher than prior year)
- 97% retention rate for enrollment and a total of 550 students (up from 516 a few years ago)
Additional Resources