Interview With Nick Gaudreau, Director of Development, Church Street School for Music and Art

FS: How do you fund your mission?
NG: CSS is primarily tuition-driven. As our capital campaign proceeds, there is a higher reliance on individual contributions and corporate sponsorships.

FS: What are the biggest challenges your organization faces as far as fundraising is concerned? How do you overcome them?
NG: The biggest challenge is the lack of understanding by institutional stakeholders in methods of relationship management and the extent to which each individual knows how to maximize their relationship network. Through discussions and “Development 101” presentations, an increase in knowledge and ability to maintain relationships and maximize interactions has yielded major institutional assets. Administrative support and effective/efficient lines of communication have led to an improvement in donor stewardship and cultivation.