Bryan Fairholm, Senior Partner and Terry Fairholm, PresidentThis is where Advancement Partners excels, leveraging more than 30 years of expertise to guide Catholic secondary schools and Catholic K-12 schools through the rigorous and critical process of capital campaign execution.
Specializing exclusively in capital campaign management and strategic planning for Catholic high schools and Catholic K-12 schools, Advancement Partners has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges these institutions face. With a client base of more than 300 schools nationwide, the firm’s hands-on approach ensures that each campaign begins with a feasibility study and is supported by realistic giving expectations through a carefully constructed giving pyramid.
Founded by Terry Fairholm, the firm is committed to applying best practices from higher education fundraising to the specific needs of Catholic education.
“We specialize in capital campaign management and strategic planning for Catholic education. That’s all we do,” says Fairholm. “By focusing exclusively on this sector, we’ve been able to refine our approach and offer tailored solutions that deliver sustainable, mission-driven results.”
From the outset, Advancement Partners works closely with schools to assess fundraising capacity through a feasibility study. This allows schools to establish realistic goals and ensures that every step of the campaign aligns with the institution’s long-term vision. By focusing on cultivating high-value prospects, the firm helps schools build the financial foundation necessary for lasting success.
Feasibility and the Giving Pyramid: The Governing Mechanisms
Advancement Partners’ process begins with a comprehensive feasibility study, which serves as the foundation for every campaign. This study evaluates the fundraising potential of a Catholic school and helps set realistic goals based on the community’s capacity to give.
Bryan is the future of the company. He has the experience, the passion, and the drive to lead us forward.
By creating a realistic giving pyramid, Advancement Partners ensures that each campaign remains focused on a select group of high-value prospects. The principle is straightforward. Whether the campaign goal is $5 million or $40 million, the approach remains the same. The focus is on building relationships with approximately the top 200 prospects who are capable of making transformational contributions. This strategy supports not only campaign success but also the long-term financial health of the school.
Once the feasibility study is complete, the next phase is campaign preparation. During this stage, campaign priorities are finalized, and Advancement Partners works with school leadership to craft a comprehensive case for support. This phase typically spans five months and includes developing marketing materials, assembling a volunteer leadership team, and refining donor engagement strategies. Throughout the process, the firm collaborates closely with school leadership to ensure alignment with mission and priorities, setting the stage for effective personal solicitations.
Creating Lasting Change
The solicitation phase is where Advancement Partners’ hands-on approach truly distinguishes the firm. While many consulting firms reduce involvement at this stage, Advancement Partners remains actively engaged, working alongside school leadership to solicit major gifts from top prospects. The firm’s methodology is designed not only to raise funds but also to equip schools with the skills and confidence to sustain fundraising efforts beyond the campaign.
“We don’t just do the work for them,” Fairholm says. “We teach them how to do it. We want schools to be able to sustain their fundraising efforts even after we’re no longer involved.”
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We specialize in capital campaign management, primarily for Catholic high schools and Catholic K-12 schools, that’s all we do. We are highly specialized and have worked with over 300 Catholic schools nationwide.
During the solicitation phase, Advancement Partners works closely with presidents, principals, advancement directors, and leadership teams to engage top prospects through meaningful, in-person conversations. Regardless of campaign size, the process remains consistent. The emphasis is on cultivating strong relationships and directly asking high-level donors to invest in the school’s mission.
“It’s about building relationships with the top giving prospects and asking them for their investment,” Fairholm explains.
Impacting the School and Its Community
One notable example of Advancement Partners’ impact involved De La Salle Collegiate in Warren, MI, which sought to raise $7 million to transform its library into a state-of-the-art STEM center. The campaign included a $3 million lead gift and resulted in improved facilities, stronger recruitment outcomes, and increased enrollment interest.
Completion of the De La Salle STEM center significantly enhanced the school’s appeal to prospective students, illustrating the lasting impact a well-executed capital campaign can deliver.
“The STEM center is a perfect example of how a project can transform a school,” Fairholm says. “It’s not just about the money. It’s about creating lasting change that benefits students for years to come.”
A Family-Oriented Approach
Despite being a small firm with six employees, Advancement Partners brings deep experience and expertise to every engagement. The firm operates with a family-oriented structure, with Terry Fairholm’s longtime business partner Bill Acton, his sons Bryan and Curt, his brother Don, and his wife Diana all contributing to the firm’s success. This close-knit team provides personalized attention to each client, ensuring that every school’s needs are addressed with care and precision.
“While we are a small team, everyone brings a high level of experience and dedication to their work,” Terry explains. “We work together as a family, and that’s something our clients value. It allows us to be agile, responsive, and deeply connected to the schools we serve.” Additionally, Curt Fairholm joined the company in 2025 in a support role after spending several years in sales within the banking industry.
This family dynamic reflects the firm’s deep connection to the mission of Catholic education. As graduates of Catholic schools themselves, the team understands the values and priorities of these institutions in a way few outside firms can. This shared background enables Advancement Partners to craft fundraising strategies that resonate authentically with both school leadership and donors.
The Future Looks Bright
Looking ahead, Terry Fairholm is confident that his son Bryan Fairholm will carry the firm’s legacy forward. Bryan has spent more than a decade with the firm, working closely with Catholic high schools on strategic planning and the execution of multimillion-dollar capital campaigns. With a background in consulting and tax law, he brings a unique skill set that supports complex planning and donor engagement strategies.
“Bryan is the future of the company,” Terry says. “He has the experience, passion, and drive to lead us forward.”
As Bryan assumes greater leadership responsibility, Terry remains confident that the firm’s tradition of excellence will continue. Advancement Partners is well positioned to remain a leader in Catholic education fundraising.
“We’ve been successful because we specialize,” Terry says. “We focus solely on Catholic high schools and Catholic K-12 schools, and that focus has allowed us to become experts in the field. It’s what we do best, and we plan to continue doing it for many years.”
Making a Meaningful Impact on Catholic Education
With a proven track record, deep commitment to Catholic education, and disciplined approach to capital campaigns, Advancement Partners is a trusted partner for Catholic high schools and Catholic K-12 schools seeking to raise funds, strengthen their communities, and ensure long-term sustainability. The firm’s ability to deliver results, combined with its mission-driven focus, positions it to make a lasting impact.
As Fairholm puts it, “We are not just consultants. We are advocates for the mission of Catholic education. Every school we work with is an extension of our family, and we are deeply invested in their success.”
With its disciplined methodology, exclusive focus, and family-driven ethos, Advancement Partners remains at the forefront of fundraising consulting for Catholic secondary education.
