Big-Time Fundraising for Today's Schools
- Stanley Levenson - Stan Levenson & Associates
Foreword by Wendy D. Puriefoy
"Makes a groundbreaking, noteworthy, and lasting contribution to the field of public school improvement and reform."
—From the Foreword by Wendy D. Puriefoy
President, Public Education Network
"A must-read book that can change how public education works, thrives, and ultimately succeeds."
—Gerard A. Dery, Director, Zone 1, NAESP
Principal, Nessacus Regional Middle School, Dalton, MA
Harness skills and strategies to achieve "big-time" fundraising success!
In this enlightening book, nationally recognized author and fundraising consultant Stanley Levenson shows school leaders how to move away from labor-intensive, nickel-and-dime bake sales and car washes, and into the world of big-time fundraising. Following the model used by colleges and universities, Levenson presents a wealth of practical strategies for supporting school finances by pursuing grants and gifts from corporations, foundations, the government, and individual donors.
A proactive blueprint, this resource focuses on public responsibility in helping America's public schools become world-class learning institutions. Fundraisers will learn about the entire fundraising spectrum, from corporate, foundation, and government grants, to grants and gifts from individual donors. This valuable package of ready-to-use tools and strategies includes:
- Basic steps for starting a public school foundation
- Practical techniques for writing winning grant proposals
- Examples of winning grant proposals
- Tips for overcoming obstacles
- Suggestions for establishing a development office
- Techniques for obtaining grants and gifts from individual donors
- Helpful approaches to annual campaigns, capital campaigns, and planned giving
- A list of 101 foundations and corporations interested in giving to the public schools
- Extensive bibliography, references, and web sites
In this comprehensive guide, educators will find specific creative solutions for obtaining funding that will support the finest schools for all our children.
"In my pioneer work in the public education foundation movement, and as a former superintendent of schools, I endorse Stan Levenson's suggestions for the role of board members in starting alumni fundraising, the need to listen and establish rapport with prospective givers in a community, and his initiatives for tapping the sources of senior citizens and former teachers. Levenson's acknowledgement that more than 80% of all contributions come from donors fuels the idea that public school education foundations should exist in every community to enhance programs in our K-12 schools."
"This book helps communities leave no stone unturned in the search for funds that will help improve student learning. In shifting our sights to the new world of big-time fundraising, Stan has made a groundbreaking, noteworthy, and lasting contribution to the field of public school improvement and reform."
"The author has effectively and painstakingly provided a blueprint that will help individuals and schools achieve success in fundraising. This is a must-read book that could change how public education works, thrives, and ultimately succeeds."
"Having applied for and been awarded five mini-grants this year, I feel that Dr. Levenson's book will help me take my grantsmanship to the next level. He provides a blueprint for creating successful school grant writing teams and for obtaining major grants to meet larger needs."
"A recommended pick for school leaders who wish to move away from small-scale bake sales into big-time fundraising."
"Whether you are a funding novice or a veteran grant writer, Levenson provides information that should be at the fingertips of every educator looking for financial support in today's tight budget era."