Fundraising During a Time of Crisis for Montessori Schools

A free intensive, practical 4-week short course from the Montessori Foundation


Led by

Dr. Valaida L. Wise, Montessori Educator, Experienced Head of School, Montessori Foundation Senior Consultant

Tim Seldin, President, The Montessori Foundation, Chair, IMC, Headmaster, NewGate School

Series of 4 Monday Sessions: Beginning, April 13th, 2:00 – 3:30 PM EST



Space is limited. Register today.

Fundraising can be challenging even in the best of financial times, but amid a crisis, the thought of fundraising can be daunting.

This is especially true for Montessori school leaders who may have never felt comfortable asking for donations.

But fundraising in a time of crisis can be done successfully. In fact, there are individuals who are particularly close to your school and this situation may speak to them. They may come forward as champions for the school heroes, making the meaningful major gifts that will both solve immediate problems and inspire additional generous future support. Saving your school may give them great pleasure.

How do we find them and how do we create a fundraising program that fulfills the schools’ needs and builds community?

The Montessori Foundation and the International Montessori Council have developed a 4-week virtual course that will help you:

Develop a clear and realistic development plan

Tell your story by knowing your “why”

Learn how to cultivate donors

Learn the psychology behind why people give

Engage your board

Build a culture of philanthropy

Make the ask

This course will meet over 4 weeks once a week for 90 minutes. Sessions will be recorded. By signing up in this platform, you will be able to access course resources, recordings of the live sessions, and participate in discussions in between sessions. You will have ongoing access

It will provide opportunities for you to learn from school leaders who have been successful in this area.

We will guide you through the development of your school's individual plan of action to raise the money you need.

We want to express our gratitude for your friendship and continuing support for the Montessori Foundation's work. Thank you for who you are and what you do to improve the lives of children.

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea."

Antoine De Saint-Exupery Space is limited. Register for the course here, then click this link to sign up for the four live sessions:

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Course curriculum

  • 01

    Welcome to the course!

    Show Content
    • How to use this online learning platform
    • Here is the link to the live Zoom Sessions - Monday, Series of 4: Beginning, April 13th, 2:00 – 3:30 PM EST GMT -4
    • A brief message about the course
    • Introduction and overview
    • Discussion Forum
  • 02

    Week #1

    Show Content
    • Recording of the first week's live session
    • Copy of Discussion Forum
    • Sample list of donations or pledges
    • Emergency Fundraising Slides
  • 03

    Chapter #2

    Show Content
    • Fundraising steps
    • Sample Case Statement
    • How to Write Amazing Fundraising Appeal
    • One example of an emergency fundraising email