Welcome to Michael Thornton’s website, which aims to help schools to generate additional income for buildings and a school endowment (for bursaries) through organised, philanthropic fundraising.

Every school should be asking its supporters for money gifts. Time and time again I have helped previously sceptical schools to generate high levels of philanthropic income. Small and big schools, old and young schools, in fact schools so new they hadn’t even opened their gates for day one.

Together, we’ve achieved gifts ranging from $5 to $2,000,000. Every gift is worthy.

Recently, Michael has been working with three Christian schools which, in just three months, have secured gifts for new facilities totalling $1,000,000.

Some questions for YOU

1. Are you asking for tax-deductible gifts?
2. Is ‘philanthropy’ a separate, vital line on your school’s cash flow forecast models?
3. Do you have an endowment fund through which you can help needy families?
4. Are you ready to have donors and benefactors for people, plant and programs?

Philanthropy Forum

This website is not about raffles, sausage sizzles, or buy-a-brick fundraising; it is about asking people, within their means, to become benefactors and donors to your school.

Consulting Services 

Michael can help your school in one of two ways:

A. Help to appoint and train your own in-house fundraising development officer
Generally a six-month consultancy helping you to define the role for your development officer, job description, advertising, short-listing, interviewing and then three two-day visits for hands on practical training. You should be in a position to start asking for capital gifts in the fourth month, during which I help with Leading Gift approaches and I also MC the meals for mid-level gift pledges, gradually over the final two months handing over the reins to your development officer. References available.

B. Set up your capital appeal and asking for gifts for you in the first year
I will help you to define your appeal goals and target, I will establish the programs and act as your acting development officer for the first twelve months of asking. Again, references are available from principals of schools with which I have worked. With thirty years of experience in asking for capital gifts for schools, in all my work I aim to enhance the already good relationship you have with your school families, as well as raise substantial sums of money. A no-obligation and cost-free proposal that includes fees will be sent upon request.

Are people giving money gifts to your school?

Not sure about this form of fundraising?  You can ask Michael a question right now.  No question is too simple or too hard.

School Fundraising by Michael Thornton

Order your copy of Michael’s latest book HERE.  Or click on the relevant link.