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 Matrix

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 Plan

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.

  • “The Advancement Playbook helped us implement a full-year plan in days, not weeks. We went from reactive to proactive overnight.”

    Laurie Payton

  • “We used the Donor Engagement Strategies to reboot our annual campaign, and it resulted in a 22% increase in participation.”

    Jamie Kokot

  • “The Corporate Partner Plan helped us secure our first major sponsorship in under a month.”

    Lindsey Beumer, Athletic Director, DMNC

  • “I was skeptical at first, but the tools were practical, clear, and immediately useful. And the free consultation was incredibly helpful.”

    Keith Finley, St. Anthony’s School