As independent schools face shorter board chair tenures and increasingly ambitious fundraising goals, chairs are being asked to lead campaigns with less runway and more complexity than ever before.

This interactive session is designed specifically for board chairs who want to understand what campaign readiness really looks like—and what their role is in setting the school up for success before a campaign is announced. We will begin with a brief overview of current trends shaping independent school philanthropy and campaign execution, connecting those insights directly to what campaign readiness requires of today’s board chairs.

Through a practical, real-world lens, participants will explore how boards assess fundraising readiness, set clear expectations for trustee engagement, and build alignment around what it takes to launch and sustain a successful campaign. The session will include breakout discussions, concrete takeaways, and templates board chairs can use immediately to strengthen board confidence, clarify roles, and create momentum toward a successful campaign.

Presented by Cathy Voeks and Robert Bull, Compass Group