development & alumni relations
cohort Schedule Best Practices for the Christian School ™
expand your School's reach
Learn strategies to expand your school’s advancement initiatives while building long-term relationships with alumni and donors. This cohort focuses on creating sustainable fundraising plans, implementing alumni engagement programs, and integrating best practices in constituent care. You’ll receive tools to strengthen your advancement efforts and connect with your community. Begin mapping your advancement success—register today!
Please Note: Sessions for BPI 2025 are still being finalized. The sessions listed below are examples from 2024 and may be subject to change, but they provide a preview of the types of learning experiences you can expect.
2025 sessions
Session #1:
The Essential Elements of a Christian School’s Development Office
Development provides essential operational funding for nearly all nonprofit organizations. However, fundraising in a Christian school is unique. There are many characteristics of a school environment that demand a unique methodology and approach. This session will identify those characteristics and discuss the strategies that are vital to successful development in a Christian school.
Session #2 :
Relationship-Based Fundraising
It can sound cliché to say development is about relationships, yet never has it been truer than today. There are also many misconceptions about relationship-based fundraising. This session will layout the philosophy and proper mindset necessary for Christian school leadership to build a sustainable and thriving relationship-based funding strategy.
Session #3:
Development Structure, Organization and Responsibilities
Building a healthy development operation in a Christian school is much more than hiring a development director. This session will dive into strategic organization with an eye toward growth and expansion, including staff and leadership structure, roles and responsibilities, and appropriate support from the Head and Board.
PRESENTERS
Dr. Brad Mitchell, HS Principal from Timothy Christian School
Session #4:
The basis for all gift requests
Why should I give a specific amount to my Christian school? Why should I consider growing my annual gift this year? What specific impact does my gift make on my school’s mission? These are just a few of the challenging questions that often go unanswered for prospective donors. This session will discuss donor value propositions and the strategic significance they play in a healthy development operation.
Session #5:
How to invite a prospective donor to give
This session will begin with addressing the elephant in the room – why most people feel anxiety or discomfort with asking others for money. We will directly address the areas of resistance to fundraising and provide a practical and credible means for Christian school leaders to embrace this important role.
Faculty
angel de leon
vice president | mission advancement
In 2013, Angel built a fully functioning advancement office at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, TX, leading a successful $20 million capital campaign and growing the annual fund to $3 million per year. Currently, as Vice President at Mission Advancement, he aligns school needs with
optimal solutions, empowering them to fulfill their missions. Married for 38 years, Angel and his wife reside in Frisco, TX, with their family. He serves on the board of a missions organization active in multiple countries and enjoys ocean-related activities as a Miami, FL native.
Schuyler Lehman
founder | mission advancement
With a legacy spanning since 1983 as a fundraising consultant, Schuyler has been instrumental in generating over $6 billion in funding for a diverse range of nonprofit organizations across the United States and Canada. His dedicated commitment to prioritizing the donors’ passions, interests, and requirements has significantly reshaped the landscape of institutional fundraising. Schuyler is an esteemed presence at various professional conferences, sharing his insights as keynote speaker. He and his wife, Jennifer, along with their four children, call the Dallas area their home.
matt davidson
superintendent | Timothy Christian Schools, Elmhurst, IL
Matt Davidson has led Timothy Christian Schools (PreK-12) for 14 years, raising over $60 million for capital improvements and new initiatives. Under his leadership, the school earned a National Blue Ribbon of Excellence and achieved record enrollment. Davidson has completed six major capital campaigns on schedule, under budget, and without debt. With 31 years in Christian education, he has served as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Davidson also consults with private schools on fundraising and advancement. In 2023, he received the Meritorious Service award from the Illinois State Board of Education. He is a dedicated husband, father, and proud grandfather.
Peter Baldwin
owner/principal | AMDG Architects
Peter Baldwin is Owner and Principal of AMDG Architects, a full-service design firm in Grand Rapids, MI. Founded in 1992, AMDG specializes in faith-based K-12 educational planning and design. Baldwin believes architecture can build community and strengthen missions through transformed spaces. His team of 30 architects, interior designers, and landscape architects collaborates closely with clients to meet their needs and aspirations. AMDG also designs custom residential, recreational, and work environments, using insights from these projects to enhance their educational designs. Their unique approach emphasizes deep listening and tailored solutions to complex design challenges.