2026 SAIS Annual Conference

Independent schools regularly adopt ambitious strategic plans that include new programs, facilities, initiatives, and expanded financial aid. But many schools discover too late that the plan didn’t include a realistic strategy for funding those priorities.


This session explores the gap between strategic ambition and financial sustainability. Designed for heads of school, trustees, and senior leaders, the conversation examines how a school's philanthropic capacity, annual fund performance, and major gift strategy intersect with their institutional priorities. You'll will learn why many strategic plans struggle to gain philanthropic traction, how to evaluate whether your fundraising model can support your ambitions, and how heads, boards, and school leaders can structure priorities in ways that resonate with donors.