Case Study: Salado Montessori’s Path to Stronger Philanthropy and Communications
Client: Salado Montessori
Goal: Get support with fundraising for special projects
Overview: Salado Montessori, a small independent school rooted in the Montessori philosophy, had a longstanding philanthropy expectation documented in its parent handbook, but had never run a formal development campaign aside from fundraising efforts to open the school in 2018. Recognizing the opportunity to grow both its fundraising capacity and community engagement, the school began working with Alexis Bennett of Sprig, to guide development efforts through a communications-first approach.
Year 1 Campaign – Laying the Foundation
Annual Fund 2024-25: The school launched its first-ever formal fundraising campaign with two ambitious goals:
Fund a staff member’s enrollment in an 18-month AMI Primary diploma program at the Montessori Institute of North Texas ($16,749).
Build a new playground for students ($1,865).
This multi-channel campaign included email and social media storytelling, flyers sent home with students, and direct outreach to families via phone to encourage gifts of any size. The primary objective was 100% participation from the school community.
Results:
Raised: $6,000 from the immediate school community
Participation: 100% participation from current families
Impact: Set a benchmark for future campaigns and began shifting the culture toward shared responsibility for the school’s growth
“Boy, am I glad to have more brains working on development! Thank you.”
Playscape Project – Creative Funding Expansion: Building on the momentum, Sprig supported the creation of a community sponsorship package to complete funding for the playground.
Results:
Secured: $5,000 in local business sponsorships and a $500 Sparks Good grant from Walmart
Impact: Fully funded and constructed a safe, code-compliant playscape for students
Year 2 Campaign – Targeted Fundraising Success
Annual Fund 2025-26: The second Annual Fund focused solely on raising the remaining $5,700 for the assistant teacher’s tuition. Using similar digital communications, the school also hosted a give-back event at a family-owned restaurant and engaged alumni through mail and email.
Results:
Raised: $6,057 (exceeding goal by 5%)
Participation: Increased reach to alumni and extended supporters
Additional Capacity Building: Throughout the year, Sprig also supported the school in maturing its development infrastructure, including:
Applied for grants to support operations and classroom materials (resulting in a Montessori Growth Fund grant)
Implemented a low-cost donor management system to support long-term development
With consistent, communications-focused development leadership, Salado Montessori evolved from a school with untapped philanthropic potential into a more confident and capable fundraising organization. The school not only exceeded its financial goals but also expanded its reach, improved internal systems, and deepened engagement with its community.
Individuals and organizations ready to make a positive impact and effectively communicate their mission can schedule a free consultation to learn more about ongoing fundraising and communications support.