Today, we join our member schools in honoring the contributions, achievements, and sacrifices of American workers. This is a great time to recognize the role of American workers throughout history and their efforts to champion better working conditions, fair wages, and the overall fair treatment and protection of workers’ rights.
Growing Leaders. Strengthening Schools. Advancing Mission.
NativityMiguel Coalition Hosts Second Annual Fundraising Leadership Institute on Beaver Island, Michigan
The NativityMiguel Coalition recently welcomed advancement professionals representing 12 NativityMiguel schools from across the country for the Second Annual Fundraising Leadership Institute, held on the tranquil shores of Beaver Island, Michigan. Designed as both a professional development experience and a leadership retreat, the institute provided participants with an opportunity to step away from the daily demands of fundraising and invest in their own growth as leaders.
Designed and led by Dave Kasievich, EdD, President of the Community of St. James, the institute blended practical fundraising strategies with reflection, peer learning, and spiritual formation. Throughout the week, participants explored Community-Centric Fundraising, Henri Nouwen's The Spirituality of Fundraising, strategic planning, campaign readiness, organizational capacity, fundraising trends, SWOT analysis, peer coaching, and leadership development. Time for contemplation, prayer, journaling, and Emmaus-style conversations was intentionally woven throughout the retreat, recognizing that the most effective leaders need space to think deeply about their work and vocation.
"The Second Annual NMC Fundraising Leadership Institute created the space, silence, and clarity for fundraising professionals to think, process, challenge their thinking, and imagine their future."- Dave Kasievich, EdD
One of the hallmarks of the institute was its emphasis on community. Advancement leaders openly shared successes, challenges, and lessons learned while building relationships that will continue long after the retreat. Through collaborative discussions, peer consultation, and strategic problem-solving, participants returned to their schools with renewed purpose, practical ideas, and a network of trusted colleagues.
The institute also challenged participants to rethink the role of fundraising, not simply as the pursuit of financial resources, but as an invitation into mission, relationship, and shared purpose. Drawing from Henri Nouwen's vision of fundraising as ministry and the principles of Community-Centric Fundraising, participants explored how philanthropy can reflect the values of justice, dignity, inclusion, and authentic partnership.
A new addition to this year's institute was Executive Coaching. The Coalition extends its gratitude to Laura Otten, Ph.D., Executive Leadership Consultant and Executive Coach in Residence, for her outstanding partnership in designing and facilitating this new component. Throughout the retreat, executive coaching was introduced as both a leadership tool and an ongoing process for sustaining healthy, reflective, and fruitful leadership. Participants were challenged to think beyond immediate fundraising goals and consider how intentional coaching, self-awareness, and thoughtful reflection can strengthen both their personal leadership and their organizations over time.
As the NativityMiguel Coalition continues to strengthen its schools across the country, it remains equally committed to investing in the leaders who advance their missions. The relationships formed, ideas exchanged, and renewed sense of purpose experienced on Beaver Island will continue to shape fundraising efforts and strengthen NativityMiguel schools for years to come.
Plans are already underway for the Third Annual NativityMiguel Coalition Fundraising Leadership Institute, continuing the Coalition's commitment to forming mission-driven advancement leaders who are transforming schools, communities, and lives.
We join Mother Teresa Middle School in celebrating its 15th year of transforming the lives of young people in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Use this link to read how a challenge issued by Mother Teresa herself led school founders Paul Hill and Carol Hill to search for a way to make a difference in Regina.
That search led them to create a school in the NativityMiguel model. The results of that decision are what we celebrate today.
The NativityMiguel model works. It is a model that is producing life-changing results for students who attend our 52 member schools across the United States and Canada. Thank you to MTMS and all member schools who continue the work of helping your students become their best, authentic selves.