2025 Advancement Summit: Capital Campaigns
Westin Sarasota
100 Marina View DrSarasota, FL 34236
Join us for this immersive workshop focusing on everything a head of school and development director need to know about capital campaigns.
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What is a Capital Campaign?
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The Campaign Study
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Campaign Planning
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Phases of a Campaign
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Donor Recognition
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Preparing for Your Next Campaign
This highly interactive course features breakout groups, dynamic discussions, and valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals from peer institutions across the country. The connections you make don’t stop when the workshop ends—many participants have built lasting partnerships and found mentorship that continues to support their success and their school’s growth for years to come.
Schedule & Course Descriptions: Please see the Schedule tab above for a detailed agenda and course descriptions. The course is eligible for 11.5 CFRE credits.
Audience: The content is ideal for development professionals and heads of school as well as board members who want to sharpen their skills for cultivating and stewarding major donors.
Partner: Thank you to our content partner, Winkler Group. Based in Charleston, Winkler offers strategic counsel to help your school build lifelong donor relationships and sustainable funding before, during, and after a campaign.
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REGISTRATION |
Member |
Non-Member |
|
through April 11 |
$575 |
$679 |
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April 12-May 23 |
$675 |
$779 |
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after May 23 |
$775 |
$879 |
Agenda
| June 16 | |
| 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM | Registration |
| 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM | WHAT IS A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN? We’ll start with a big-picture look at capital campaigns—what they are, why they matter, and how to assess readiness across your school, advancement team, and donors. |
| 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | Break |
| 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM | THE CAMPAIGN STUDY: PART 1 Learn how a campaign feasibility study sets your school up for success—what it includes, why it’s essential, and how to identify the right stakeholders to engage. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Reception |
| June 17 | |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Breakfast Buffet |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | THE CAMPAIGN STUDY: PART 2 Turn your study results into a strategic road map for your campaign. We’ll show you how to analyze findings and leverage them to move forward with confidence. |
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Break |
| 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | CAMPAIGN PLANNING PHASE: PART 1 Set your campaign up for success by finalizing goals, building your case for support, and recruiting a strong steering committee. Learn what it takes to stay on track. |
| 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM | CAMPAIGN PLANNING PHASE: PART 2 Finalize advance and lead gift prospects and begin cultivation. Build momentum from the top down with thoughtful processes, campaign policies, and collateral. |
| 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Break |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | PHASES OF A CAMPAIGN: PART 1 Master the quiet phase: pacing strategies, major donor solicitations, and the keys to raising 80% of your goal. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Reception |
| June 18 | |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | PHASES OF A CAMPAIGN: PART 2 Learn when and how to transition to the public phase, including the kickoff timeline and final solicitation strategies. |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | DONOR RECOGNITION + PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT CAMPAIGN Celebrate your donors, fulfill pledges, and lay the groundwork for your next big campaign. Meaningful recognition today builds stronger relationships for tomorrow. |
| 12:00 PM | Adjourn |
Westin Sarasota
- Group rate: $169
- Cut-off date: May 26 or when the block is full
- Reservation link
- Additional fees:
- Destination fee: $11/day
- Valet parking: $30/day
NOTE: SAIS does not utilize the services of a housing vendor for any events. Neither SAIS nor the hotel will call you to make reservations over the phone. Occasionally unauthorized third parties may attempt to coordinate your reservations. Please use only the above hotel links to secure your reservation directly with the hotel.
If you receive an error message or if the block is full, please contact learn@sais.org
Transportation
From a variety of airports, free shuttles, and city-operated ride shares, Sarasota makes it easy to explore. Check out local transportation options here. Don't miss the $2 airport shuttle!
Restaurants
From casual to elegant and pub grub to high end, enjoy the diverse culinary landscape and the talented local chefs who bring it to life. In the foodie department, there’s something for every palate, from French to Vietnamese to burgers to seafood.
Discover delicious local dining options here. Most are within easy walking distance of the Westin Sarasota.
Attractions
Downtown Sarasota is a vibrant cultural and civic center offering theaters, boutiques, art galleries, trendy restaurants, and quaint cafes.
Visitors and residents alike enjoy Sarasota’s walkable city lifestyle capped off by stunning sunsets and easy access to botanical gardens, a circus museum, an aquarium, and a variety of water adventures. Explore local attractions here.
With the casual elegance of downtown, beautiful public parks, and the #1 beach in the country, Sarasota offers the best of both worlds.
Speaker
Jim Bush
Principal & CEO, Winkler Group
Jim Bush is a seasoned fundraising professional and nonprofit executive with over $100 million raised for capital campaigns over his career. Jim has presented at more than fifty national and international fundraising conferences; he has been named the top speaker at six international conferences.
He has been fortunate to lead capital campaigns and fundraising initiatives for countless independent schools, including many SAIS-accredited schools.
Presented By
Event Policies & Acknowledgments
- For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact learn@sais.org