Leadership Program: Cultivating a Culture of Philanthropy that lasts beyond you

Philanthropy thrives when it’s led with clarity, confidence and purpose — and this program is designed for the leaders shaping that future. Built for Heads of School, Principals, senior leaders and Advancement professionals, this six-month experience blends strategic learning with personalised coaching to help you build a culture of giving that strengthens your whole community.

Across group workshops and one-to-one sessions, you’ll explore the core pillars of philanthropic leadership: defining your ‘why’, designing meaningful projects, embedding strategy, resourcing your vision, mobilising your team and navigating the ethical and cultural realities that come with long-term change. Guided by John Newton and Nick Jaffer, you’ll refine your philanthropic vision, pressure-test your strategy, and build the systems, confidence and momentum needed to make giving part of your school’s DNA. This is grounded, supportive learning that empowers you to lead with authenticity and leaves your organisation stronger long after the program ends.

Who This Program Is For

• Heads of School / Principals
• Deputy Heads with strategic responsibility
• Advancement Directors/ Development Leads
• Board members involved in fundraising strategy
• Emerging leaders preparing for senior roles

What You’ll Cover

Module 1: The Why — Inspiring Vision & Purpose

Clarify your leadership philosophy, connect purpose to legacy, and communicate a compelling ‘why’.

Module 2: The What — Designing Meaningful Projects

Identify transformational initiatives, test viability and community alignment, shape offerings that inspire donors.

Module 3: The How — Strategy Meets Philanthropy

Set realistic financial targets, embed philanthropy into the school’s broader strategy, and align long-term goals.

Module 4: The How Much — Resourcing the Vision

Determine the people, systems and tools required; design structures that support cultural change.

Module 5: The Who — Engaging & Mobilising Your Team

Empower staff, board members, alumni and parents to champion philanthropy with clarity and shared purpose.

Module 6: The What If — Ethics, Resilience & Sustaining Momentum

Navigate challenges, maintain ethical standards, manage resistance, celebrate wins and keep progress moving.
 

Program Format & Timeline

• Online via Zoom
• 5 × 2-hour group sessions
• 5 × 1-hour individual coaching sessions
   

Key Dates

Program Duration: 2 March – 7 September
Group Sessions:

• 10 March
• 12 May
• 2 June
• 30 June
• 4 August

Coaching Sessions: Scheduled individually across the program window
 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will have:

• A clearly articulated philanthropic vision tailored to their school
• A practical, tested strategy to build a culture of giving
• Stronger confidence in communicating the case for support
• A roadmap for long-term, cross-organisational philanthropy success
• A supportive network of peer leaders for ongoing collaboration

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Event Details:

Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026 for 6 months
Registrations will close on Tuesday 3 March 2026

Venue: Online (via Zoom)

Cost: Members: $3,250.00 +GST per person or $3,000.00 +GST per person for 3 or more registrations (when registering 3 or more people, discount code to use is 2026LP)
Non-Members: $3,950.00 +GST per person
For International Registrants GST is not payable on registration.