“No one has any obligation to give voluntarily. So what is it that actually creates the sense of connection, of desire, of place, that actually takes people into a situation where not only will they ask, but they're actually very ready to be asked as well.” Nigel Harris

In this episode of the School Bell, we chat with Nigel Harris about philanthropy and fundraising in a school context. Nigel is one of Australia's most experienced and successful health foundation CEOs and a respected advisor to organisational leaders, fundraising executives and donors. Nigel helps charities and nonprofit organizations, including schools, develop philanthropic and fundraising leadership for social impact. Nigel also works with funders to optimise their philanthropic experience.

Also joining in the conversation is ISQ’s School Services Deputy Director, Johannes Solymosi who oversees the delivery of the ISQ governance program and has many years' experience as an educator and school principal in Germany and Australia.

Together, Nigel and Johannes break down the three elements of Philanthropy: fundraising, volunteering and advocacy and share insights on how schools can tap into this often misunderstood aspect of fundraising and parent and alumni engagement.

In this episode, we discuss:

1.30 Nigel's education background

2.06 Why is philanthropy something that schools should be considering? 

5.00 The three elements of Philanthropy: fundraising, volunteering and advocacy.

10.50 What are some of the opportunities and challenges in terms of attracting philanthropy for new schools, schools that are 20-30 years old and long established schools?

15.45 Donor psychology and motivation - How do donors engage and identify with the story or the experience that people have in schools? 

23.06 Creating a strategy that facilitates and molds culture.

26.28 The concept of 'Asking well'.

30.12 How we think about philanthropy is fundamental to everything we do in serving our communities towards a common purpose. 

31.10 Conclusion