Embracing a Culture of Philanthropy at DSPT: Why it Matters
Fundraising is ultimately about relationships. More than anything, a culture of philanthropy is an attitude that embraces relationship building. Once a community of believers is built, the financial support will follow. The Development Office at DSPT has adopted a culture of philanthropy and has evolved from a focus on money to a focus on building lasting relationships. DSPT’s mission to educate and prepare lay and religious men and women for their future roles in the Church is supported not just with tuition dollars, but with the financial, emotional and philosophical benefaction of our community.
Our long-term goal and vision is that DSPT become less dependent upon the ebb and flow of tuition dollars. Our vision is for DSPT to become strong enough to withstand the fluctuations of the economy and the pressures of educational trends and to sustain its mission, while maintaining socioeconomic diversity by offering financial aid to those who can’t afford tuition. Building the school’s endowment is more than creating a perpetual source of funds: it is establishing the culture of philanthropy at DSPT that supports the school’s mission and ensures its perpetuity.
DSPT cannot accomplish our goals without your support. The act of giving funds to support DSPT is more than ensuring that the school meets its operating budget; true philanthropy connects and binds you to the DSPT community, keeps DSPT accountable for maintaining its mission, and assists the school in reaching our goals.
And, as the saying goes, there is no “there” there, no ending point to say “we are done.” If DSPT is to continue with its mission, it is essential that the culture of philanthropy continues to grow and that the relationships within the DSPT community endure and strengthen, sustaining the vision and mission that are the very foundation of the school. The responsibility of sustaining a culture of philanthropy rests not with one person or the Development Office, it is up to all involved in the organization to grow and sustain the culture.
Visit the Support DSPT section of our website (www.dspt.edu) to learn more about fundraising efforts and volunteer opportunities at DSPT. For more information on how you can participate in building our philanthropic culture through a gift and/or participating in philanthropic efforts, contact the Advancement Office at advancement@dspt.edu or 510-883-2085.
