The Fortify Foundation Podcast
The Fortify Foundation Podcast welcomes you to meaningful, in-depth conversations on topics related to Christian education, planned giving, fundraising, and more. We are building a community of people passionate about the future of Christian education. If you are an administrator, principal, pastor, teacher, support staff, parent, grandparent, or friend who loves or has been impacted by Christian education, this podcast is for you. Join us as we strive to sustain Christian schools for generations to come.
Episodes
23 episodes
Enrollment Health, Marketing Mission, and Financial Legacy w/ Guest Andy Lynch
Fortify Foundation exists to financially sustain Christian schools. Often, Christian schools struggle to find the right path in marketing who they are and what they are seeking to accomplish which leads to missed opportunities in growing their ...
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1:05:51
The Role of the Board in Fundraising
Yes, you read that title right! A truly effective board should be contributing to the fundraising efforts of your organization! If it's not happening, why not? Could this possibly be an area for growth? What would that effectively look like for...
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49:56
Board Governance (2 of 2) w/ Guest Jeff Pickren
As we continue our series on effective boards / board governance, Fortify Foundation invites Jeff Pickren of Covenant Christian Academy to share some wonderful insights on some of the past challenges they've faced along with current changes to ...
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50:59
Board Governance (1 of 2) w/ Guest Sean Corcoran
Sean Corcoran is a 19 year veteran as a school head. He provides some incredible insights on what it's like to shift the model in board governance. Suggesting, implementing, and adapting to change isn't always easy but sometimes it's necessary ...
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51:41
Board Relationships, Assessments, and Strategy Changes
The Fortify team continues the discussion of board effectiveness by evaluating several areas that often plague many boards. What kind of relationship should administrators have with their board members? Are there missed opportunities from havin...
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1:19:08
What Constitutes an Effective Board
In this episode, Edward Earwood, Ruston Pierce, and Brandon Allen discuss some of the differences between an effective and ineffective board. They take the time to answer some of the lingering questions that often get missed. What is the role o...
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1:34:20
Executing a Capital Campaign (Part 3 of 3)
We've talked about whether or not a school is ready for a capital campaign and how to plan for that campaign. In part 3 of this series, we walk through the actual campaign process. What to expect, how to plan, understanding and overcoming many ...
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1:09:25
Crafting a Capital Campaign (Part 2 of 3)
Now that you know your school has the capacity for a capital campaign, what are some things you need to consider prior to launch? What is the biggest reason for either a campaign's success or failure? In this episode, we cover the 6 c's of craf...
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1:16:25
Is Your School Ready for a Capital Campaign? (Part 1 of 3)
Our school is growing! That is great news! Is the next step really a capital campaign? Join us as we explore several considerations before a school should enter a capital campaign! This is part 1 of a 3 part series where we dive in...
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1:14:51
How To Gain New Donors
Today, we dive into 3 key areas that every school needs to think about when Attempting to Gain New Donors:1. What are thing you need to consider doing?2. What might be some things that you need to reconsider doing?3. Developing a St...
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54:56
Playing the Long Game - Special Guest Tyson Chastain of Johnson Unversity
Johnson University has an incredibly rich heritage. But that doesn't mean it hasn't been immune to economic challenges. In this episode, we dive deeper into some of the best practices for fundraising and understanding how endowment plays a cruc...
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1:01:57
Fundraising Fears
Funding your mission starts with being willing to promote your mission. In this episode we explore common fears that cause us to stall in our fundraising efforts.
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49:23
Capturing Communication in the Midst of Chaos
How do you deal with the constant tyranny of the urgent that end of year events and summer planning brings?
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1:09:51
Strategic Planning Part 2
Strategic Planning is important to the short and long term health of your organization. Join us as we unpack the process, details for execution, and outcomes you can expect!
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40:56
Strategic Planning Part 1
Strategic Planning is important to the short and long term health of your organization. Join us as we unpack the process, details for execution, and outcomes you can expect!
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55:38
What Exactly Does Fortify Do?
In this episode, we dive into the various areas that we are looking to impact Christian education. We aren't the typical foundation that just holds funds and processes donations. We are an institution setup to work on behalf of all Christian ed...
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1:12:24
How to Build an Endowment
What is keeping you from starting an endowment? It may seem overwhelming or you may just not understand the steps. We are here to help! Join us as we unpack creative ways your organization can get started on the path to sustai...
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1:15:44
How Can I Start an Endowment?
Schools, churches, and nonprofits should all have an endowment. Why do so many not? In this episode we unpack the process to begin, how an endowment can help your organization, and obstacles that keep people from moving forward.
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1:09:10
Developing Your Unique Mission
Does your school truly live out its' mission? In this episode, our team unpacks what a school that is truly mission-driven looks like. Your mission can be incorporated into every area of your school, even fundraising and sustainabil...
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Season 2023
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51:00
Meet the Team!
Fortify Foundation exists to strengthen Christian schools. In this episode, we unveil new value additions to our team who will be value adds to our schools in the areas of marketing and fundraising. We are excited to enhance the alr...
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1:08:53
A CPA's Perspective on the ERC
Most of us have probably seen the 3 letters "ERC" advertised at some point over the last few years. But what is it? Who's it for? Is there any benefit to me or our school? On today's podcast, CPA Cheryl Wentz is joining us to answer those very ...
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57:48