Alumni Stories

Positive and lasting change to impact every level of your organization

The Fund Raising School is a vital part of the most established and comprehensive institution in the world teaching the art and science of philanthropy.

The depth and breadth of our expertise positively impacts all levels of nonprofit organizations.

Through the spring of 2016, we’ll be sharing examples of our impact through stories of Habitat for Humanity in Indiana, where the statewide organization and its network of local affiliate chapters are among the top 10 Habitat for Humanity builders in the U.S.

Individual impact: Acquiring the art of asking

Sr. Jane Michele McClure is the Major Gifts Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, IN.

McClure says The Fund Raising School transformed her approach to development by equipping her with the skills she needs to conduct successful donor conversations. Better able to relate with donors on a personal level, she’s connecting donors’ passions with her organization’s mission and achieved a nearly 20 percent increase in donor retention.

"Our staff has transformed its approach so that now our donors are lifetime donors."
Sr. Jane Michele McClure, Major Gifts Officer
Habitat Humanity of Evansville, IN

Organization impact: Best Practices, Better Team

Rev. Michael Erwin is the Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, and Major Gifts Officer Sr. Jane Michele McClure is one of his direct reports.

Erwin says his team member McClure’s course work with The Fund Raising School was like a pebble in a pond that continues to generate positive ripple effects for his fundraising team and the entire organization. With new understanding and tools to leverage each individual’s capacity to fundraise, Habitat for Humanity Evansville committed to engaging new supporter networks, like those of their home-building volunteers, to the tune of a 40 percent jump in new donors in 12 months.

"When just one person's skills are developed to full fundraising potential, it affects everyone."
Rev. Michael Erwin, Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, IN

Board impact: Smart Spending, Smarter Staff

Daniel Klein is the Board President for Habitat for Humanity of Indiana.

Klein says seeing the success enjoyed by the Evansville fundraising team, and others, after working with The Fund Raising School made it clear to him that every Habitat affiliate in Indiana could benefit from the opportunity to access the School's leading programs and curriculum, a push he and fellow board members have made in recent years. Today, the Habitat for Humanity network in Indiana is among the top 10 U.S. fundraisers for the organization, despite operating in just the sixteenth most populace state.

"The board has to invest in this type of education."
Daniel Klein, Board President, Habitat for Humanity of Indiana

Development impact: Unlocking capacity

Gina Leckron is the State Director for Habitat for Humanity of Indiana.

Leckron is an alumna of The Fund Raising School, and she’s been committed to connecting her organization’s statewide network of development professionals with the school because of the benefits the curriculum provides affiliates both small and large. In many cases, the state organization reports that professionals who have completed courses with The Fund Raising School are able to double their capacity.

“When our development directors are trained and understand their roles and responsibilities, more funds get raised and more work is done in the field towards our mission.”
Gina Leckron, State Director, Habitat for Humanity of Indiana

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