Building a Resilient Fundraising Culture at Temple University
When Temple University's Assistant Dean of Development needed to strengthen team culture and support retention efforts, Shanna created a custom program that transformed how fundraisers saw themselves and their work. By combining team retreats with one-on-one coaching, we built a culture where team members support each other and others across the university.
Services used:
Team Retreat, Team Coaching
"Shanna is both a gifted leadership consultant and an expert fundraiser—a combination of strengths very few people have. So when it comes to bringing a consultant into an advancement shop, Shanna comes first to mind. She's inspiring, knows the field, and can bring out the best in the individuals on a team in a way that also brings out their best together."
– Patrick Daley, Assistant Dean of Development, Temple University
Opportunity
Patrick Daley, Assistant Dean of Development at Temple University's College of Liberal Arts, wanted to develop his fundraising team and improve retention. He recognized that good retention stemmed from strong culture but had reached a point where he wanted to participate in team-building activities alongside his staff instead of always facilitating them himself.
Solution
Shanna developed a comprehensive leadership program that included:
A full-day retreat with interactive sessions tailored to the team's specific needs
Topics included "developing a network across the university" and "five key types of support to surround yourself with"
Individual coaching sessions for each team member to address their specific fundraising challenges
Collaborative curriculum planning with Patrick while maintaining professional facilitation
Results
Stronger team culture where members actively support each other and others across the university
Team members gained practical knowledge they could immediately apply
Staff discovered and owned both their vulnerabilities and strengths
Created a shared language around each member's contributions to the team
Team members called their coaching sessions "the best fundraising therapy"
The team became "actively part of the retention plan for other people" across Temple
Speaking with an advisor who understood their challenges firsthand