Benchmarking the benefits
State schools can reap the rewards of investing in a fundraising function, says a new report
Support Grants Resources Grants Partnerships Support Resources Partnerships T
he IDPE has been measuring the effectiveness of school income generation and engagement for many
years. Its latest benchmarking report surveyed more than 200 school development offi ces. Of these, 25 were in the state school sector, refl ecting the increasing number that are setting up a development function. The report aims to share emerging best practice, highlighting the factors that can infl uence success and encouraging more schools to invest in a fundraising programme.
The long haul Schools which have had a development offi ce for 16 to 20 years have doubled their return on investment, compared to those that are four to six years along on their
development journey, according to the IDPE survey. In state schools, the average development offi ce consists of one FTE staff member, with around half of these in their fi rst ever fundraising role. To achieve the best results, suggests the IDPE, state schools need to invest time, resources and expertise in development over the long-term. Schools can expect a Return on Investment of 3.35 in years one to three, building up to 4.67 in years seven to ten.
Parent power Although fi nancial pressures on families have increased, the survey fi nds that 70% of all reported funds raised in state schools come from parents. Moreover, the success of capital campaigns at state schools suggests that virtually all school
‘This survey is essential reading if you want to
build a case for setting up a development office. It highlights that fundraisers and headteachers
must work closely together to drive strategy’ Emma Styles, head of development, Colyton Grammar School
communities will have a small number of major gift prospects among their parent bodies. In areas with excellent state schools, the parent body might include those who could comfortably afford a private education – and such parents might have the motivation and capacity to give generously.
Legacy clubs
Only three of the state schools that reported fundraising income have a legacy club, versus 60% of independent schools. However, the report fi nds that schools with development offi ces which promote legacy giving and recognise legacy donors during their lifetimes can secure more fi nancial support.
Grants State schools are more likely to have more success in soliciting grant support from charitable trusts and foundations than private schools, especially when it comes to capital projects. Corporate philanthropic support across the education sector is generally low, but the report fi nds that state schools are the main benefi ciaries of this funding, suggesting that time spent prospecting and approaching organisations can pay off.
Free support for state schools The IDPE has developed a free toolkit for state schools. Visit
idpe.org.uk to fi nd out more, email
info@idpe.co.uk or call 01225 829030.
FundEd SUMMER 2023 31
IMAGE: ZELIMIR
ZARKOVICISTOCKPHOTO.COM
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