Mission Statement

The Development and Institutional Advancement Program (DIAP) of The Association of Theological Schools seeks to educate and support professional development officers and staff who are engaged in theological education.

Development professionals in theological education have a unique calling to explore the religious and spiritual dimensions of fundraising and institutional advancement. Development leaders are an integral force in enabling theological education to achieve its mission of:

• educating called men and women, lay and ordained, to lead the church in the 21st century so that the redemptive message of God's love transforms lives, teaches moral values, and creates caring communities that reach out to all;

• enabling scholars to expand human knowledge and strengthen human faith through research and publication;

• preparing leaders to serve the larger society through ministries of justice, peace, and reconciliation.

In fulfilling this mission, development professionals interact directly with the external constituencies of their schools. DIAP supports them in at least four ways:

1. an annual conference that features leaders in the field of fundraising and theological education, along with workshops on emerging as well as traditional fundraising techniques and strategies. The conference is designed for development officers from the ATS member schools in the United States and Canada;

2. regional and national ecumenical and denominational networks of colleagues for professional expertise and support;
   
   
3. Colloquy, a publication focusing on articles to enhance professional development in theological education.
   
   

4. specialized workshops and seminars that focus on particular aspects of professional institutional advancement work.

All members of ATS are invited to participate in DIAP. DIAP is self-supporting and is directed by a volunteer steering committee that reports to the Board of Directors of ATS.