In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we sit down with Barbara Barron, a seasoned consultant in independent school advancement, to challenge outdated fundraising tactics and explore more effective ways to engage school communities. From reimagining galas to building mission-driven collaboration between marketing and development, Barbara shares fresh, realistic insights for today’s school landscape.

We also discuss why alumni giving is often misunderstood, how over-asking impacts donor fatigue, and why thoughtful timing and communication matter more than ever. Barbara’s approach is both strategic and compassionate, offering a path forward that respects the time, energy, and values of families and school staff alike.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• Why marketing and development teams should collaborate closely
• A smarter alternative to galas and auctions (and why the ROI matters)
• What schools often get wrong about alumni fundraising
• How to reduce “ask fatigue” and sequence requests more effectively
• Tips for breaking through inbox noise with authentic communication
• How mindfulness and presence can transform fundraising conversations