Case 1: Strengthening a Capital Campaign Through Long-Term Financial Planning

An independent school preparing for a future capital campaign wanted to expand its facilities while also strengthening its long-term financial infrastructure. At the time, the school had a small board-designated fund, significant cash reserves and incoming gifts managed on an ad hoc basis, no formal investment policy, and no dedicated investment committee. Leadership wanted to ensure that both existing assets and future campaign proceeds would be managed thoughtfully and responsibly.

Fairlight worked with the school to develop a formal investment policy, establish an investment committee, create a framework for managing reserves and longer-term assets, and implement an investment strategy aligned with anticipated future cash needs. As major campaign gifts began arriving before construction was scheduled to begin, Fairlight also structured the investment approach so funds would become available when payments to contractors and project partners were expected.

As the school strengthened its governance and demonstrated a commitment to long-term stewardship, donor confidence increased. One leadership donor made a substantial gift not only to support the capital campaign, but also to help build the school’s endowment, and another significant endowment gift followed later.

The stronger financial framework also gave trustees greater confidence when evaluating how fundraising, reserves, invested assets, and long-term borrowing could work together to support the project. What began as preparation for a capital campaign ultimately helped the school formalize its investment practices, expand its long-term financial resources, and build a stronger foundation for future financial resilience.