Development Committee Meeting MINUTES September 23, 2011
In Attendance: Joanne DelCarpine, Amy Elmore, Paul Lindenmaier, Lisa Kantor, Paige Orloff, Claire Pollart, Marianna Poutasse, Laurie Schiff, Suzannah Van Schaick, Cara Vermeulen
Absent: Hilary Ferrone, Wendy O’Neil, Judy Usow
1. Dr. Kantor reviewed the committee’s mission statement:
The Development Committee of the Board of Trustees at Berkshire Country Day School serves to promote, build, nurture and sustain a culture of philanthropy to BCD within the school and external communities.
2. Committee members introduced themselves, highlighting past development experience.
3. Ms. Orloff reviewed parameters for future meetings, which will begin at 8:10 and end at 9:30 unless previous arrangements are made for extra time. Agendas will include four standing items: Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Events, and Campaign Planning.
Ms. Poutasse offered to act as scribe for the next meeting; an additional volunteer is needed to alternate with Ms. Poutasse.
Dr. Kantor reminded members of the confidential nature of information discussed with the committee.
4. Ms. Elmore reviewed the calendar she has prepared for the year’s fundraising activities. The current phase is primarily Annual Fund planning. She noted that no regional events will be held this year, in order to keep the focus of her office on connecting with individual donors.
5. Standing Items:
Annual Fund:
Ms. Elmore discussed the formation of the Annual Fund Committee which was met with great enthusiasm and support by the committee.
Major Gifts:
The first prospecting session is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. and all members were encouraged to attend. This will enable Ms. Elmore to refine her timeline for specific asks. Top priority is to finish the Taylor challenge.
Mr. Lindenmaier reviewed the specifics of the Taylor challenge and the Kevin Hirt library fund.
Campaign Planning:
Ms. Elmore explained that the primary objective in this pre-campaign period is to build capacity through training, developing materials, reconnecting with past donors and creating necessary policy, e.g., Gift Acceptance Policy. Longer term, we will need a feasibility study to align goals with capacity.
Events:
Members were reminded about the major donor party scheduled for 10/28 at the home of Claire and John Pollart. Invitations have been sent and responses are coming in.
6. The group participated in a silent prospecting exercise.
7. Ms. Elmore asked members to review the Gift Acceptance Policy draft in preparation for the October 13 meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Paige Orloff
