Prioritizing Philanthropy as an Independent School Leader

Date, Time & Location

Monday, May 11, 2026
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Carroll School
25 Baker Bridge Rd
Lincoln, MA

Fundraising is not a side job—it is a leadership responsibility. For nonprofit leaders, embracing philanthropy unlocks resources, strengthens relationships, and advances your organization’s mission.

This immersive workshop is designed for aspiring and current executive leaders who want to move beyond fear or reluctance around fundraising and step fully into their role as both CEO and chief fundraiser. Drawing on Tesha McCord Poe’s expertise as capital campaign counsel, executive coach, and creator of signature Joy-Raising experiences including national conferences (The Academy, The Summit, The Quorum), group coaching (The Community), and 1:1 coaching (The Ready), you’ll explore inclusive fundraising practices, develop strategic advancement skills, and learn how to lead with clarity, courage, and joy.

You’ll leave with practical tools, renewed confidence in donor conversations, and a personal fundraising roadmap to guide your leadership. This workshop is for leaders ready to embrace fundraising as central to their identity and believe it can be joyful, strategic, and mission-driven.

Who Should Attend:

• Advancement and Development Professionals
  
• Heads of School and Assistant/Associate Heads of School
  
• Administrators aspiring to develop their understanding and comfort with the role philanthropy plays in our independent schools

Pricing 

REGISTER NOW 

Agenda at a Glance

• 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Registration & Breakfast
• 9:30 – 11:30 AM | Session 1: From Fear to Fluency & Strategic Advancement
• 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Lunch
• 12:15 – 1:45 PM | Session 2: Inclusive Philanthropy & Leading with Joy
• 1:45 – 2:00 PM | Q&A, Wrap-Up & Farewell

We strive to create an inclusive learning environment for all. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact us at info@aisne.org.

Detailed Agenda 

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Registration & Breakfast
Join fellow colleagues for a light breakfast as we start the day.

9:30 – 11:30 AM | Session 1: From Fear to Fluency & Strategic Advancement
Fundraising is a vital leadership skill—and one that every school leader can confidently embrace. This session explores common fears and limiting beliefs around asking for support, then demystifies the core elements of advancement, including annual giving, major gifts, endowment building, capital campaigns, and alumni engagement. Through interactive exercises, you will reflect on your personal strengths and learn to align fundraising efforts with your school’s priorities. The session will also showcase real examples and lessons from AISNE member schools across Massachusetts and New England, illustrating successful and sustainable fundraising practices.

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Lunch

12:15 – 1:45 PM | Session 2: Inclusive Philanthropy & Leading with Joy
This session invites you to explore what inclusive, community-centered fundraising truly looks like. You will learn strategies for designing equitable fundraising practices and cultivating diverse donor partnerships that strengthen your school’s mission. Through guided role-playing, we will practice meaningful donor conversations and relationship-building approaches that foster trust and connection. The session also emphasizes maintaining authenticity, joy, and purpose throughout the fundraising process. You will leave with a personalized action plan to help you lead advancement initiatives with clarity and confidence.

1:45 – 2:00 PM | Q&A, Wrap-Up & Farewell
As we wrap up our time together, we will reflect on key fundraising insights and set personal goals to guide your advancement efforts. We will explore strategies for accountability, identify practical resources for continued learning, and leave equipped with actionable steps to lead fundraising initiatives with confidence, authenticity, and impact.

Our Facilitator 

Tesha McCord Poe, J.D./M.B.A., is a passionate educator and fundraiser who leverages her legal and business expertise to support the long-term success of nonprofits. As CEO of Joy-Raising, she has partnered with several AISNE schools in diverse capacities, including strategic advisor, executive coach, board facilitator, and conference host for events such as The Summit. Tesha is also a frequent presenter at CASE, NAIS, and PoCC conferences.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations and transfer requests must be sent via email to info@aisne.org. Cancellations received up to 10 days before the start of the event will receive a 100% refund, less a $150 administrative fee. This fee covers the cost of our minimum commitments with our school and hotel partners; thank you for your understanding. Transfers of registrations from one person to another are permitted up to 3 business days before the start of the event.

Not an AISNE Member?

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Join today or renew your membership.