Why Choose Us?

The Advancement Playbook equips independent schools, nonprofits, higher education institutions, religious organizations, and community foundations with ready-to-use fundraising and stewardship tools.

Our digital downloads are built by advancement professionals, tested in the real world, and focused on immediate results—not theory.

We Don’t Follow Best Practice -
We Create It

In the world of advancement and philanthropy, the idea of a universal “best practice” is a false narrative. What works in one institution may not work in another.


At The Advancement Playbook, we don’t aim to follow rigid frameworks—we aim to create best practice in real-time through collaboration with our clients and partners.

What Sets Us Apart:

Plug-and-Play Solutions: Immediately implementable tools designed for practical use
Real-World Testing: Built and refined in high-performing advancement shops
Cost-Effective Approach: More accessible than full-service consulting firms
Customization-First: Every resource is editable and adaptable to your specific goals
Results Over Theory: Designed to generate action and impact, not just ideas

With each purchase, you’ll receive access to:

Instantly downloadable content (PDF, Word Doc, or Canva Template)

Fully customizable formats to match your brand and voice

A free 20-minute consultation to help you put your tools to work—right away

Advancement
Playbooks

Our digital Playbooks are more than templates—they’re strategic tools built in real advancement offices and designed for immediate action.

Each product is delivered as a fully customizable PDF, DOC, or Canva Template, and includes a free 20-minute consultation to help you get started.

Annual Playbook

What It Is: A 12-month fundraising calendar with built-in strategy.
Why It Matters: Keeps your team aligned and moving forward with clarity and consistency.
What You Get:

  • Monthly themes and priorities

  • Assigned tasks and timelines

  • Ideal for board meetings, team planning, and benchmarking

Stewardship Playbook

What It Is: A tiered plan for donor recognition and engagement.
Why It Matters: Ensures every donor, from first-time to major, feels seen and valued.
What You Get:

  • Customizable stewardship levels

  • Integration tips for your CRM

  • Templates for recognition and follow-ups

Corporate Partner Playbook

What It Is: A playbook for securing and managing business sponsorships.
Why It Matters: Builds long-term, mission-aligned partnerships that go beyond logos.
What You Get:

  • Editable sponsorship brochure

  • Tiered benefits structure

  • Outreach strategies and partnership talking points

These are just a few of our favorites

The tools to the right are only a sample of what we offer. Click here to explore all Playbooks.

Need something you don’t see? Get in touch.

  • "Andy has been a trusted colleague of mine for more than 15 years and is, in my opinion, one of the top five advancement professionals in the independent school community. His no-nonsense, tactical approach to fundraising is actionable, measurable, and refreshingly uncommon in the independent school world. This approach has enabled him to build world-class philanthropy programs wherever he goes and to become a highly respected leader and mentor. I have frequently called on Andy to present at conferences and have connected him with a number of new or inexperienced development directors. He has always exceeded expectations, generously sharing his time and talent. Simply put, Andy understands the complex challenges independent school development offices face—and he has the skills, experience, and playbook to help your team drive transformative change."

    Linda Nelson
    North Carolina Association of Independent Schools
    Retired Executive Director
    Independent School Collaborative
    Executive Director

  • "Andy and Aaron bring deep wisdom, warmth, and strategic clarity to every conversation, making them invaluable partners for any independent school seeking to grow its advancement program. Their decades of experience, combined with a collaborative and mission-driven approach, help leaders move from ideas to action with confidence. With Andy and Aaron as guides, schools can expect thoughtful counsel, sustainable plans, and measurable progress."

    Deb Feinberg
    Director of Advancement
    Emerson Waldorf School

  • "Working with Andy and Aaron at The Advancement Playbook has been invaluable. Their deep knowledge and extensive experience in the development space, paired with their easily applicable and thoughtful approach to donor stewardship, would be an asset to any nonprofit seeking to improve. Their guidance has helped us better understand how to care for our donors through strategic and intentional engagement. It has been a much-needed boost of insight and energy, and we are genuinely excited to implement the strategies we've learned. The Advancement Playbook has been a game-changer. Their expertise in development and donor stewardship gave us practical, strategic tools we could apply right away. We're excited to put these fresh engagement strategies into action and expect to see lasting impact. If you're looking for a partner to help you grow, strengthen donor relationships, and advance your mission, I cannot recommend The Advancement Playbook highly enough."

    Josh Young
    Executive Director
    Hydrating Humanity

  • "The Advancement Playbook is an indispensable resource for any school or nonprofit leader. Whether you're new to advancement or a seasoned leader, Andy and Aaron offer the kind of thoughtful, practical guidance that will help you stay grounded, focused, and connected to your mission. It's a reassuring companion through the rhythms of the year and I cannot recommend it highly enough."

    Derek Spahr
    Chief Advancement Officer
    The Montessori School of Raleigh