PARISH FUNDRAISING SERVICES RESOURCES. GUIDANCE . E XPERTISE .
PARISH FUNDRAISING SERVICES RESOURCES. GUIDANCE . E XPERTISE .
Parish Fundraising Services is a dedicated team of expert Catholic Parish fundraisers committed to empowering parishes to achieve their growth and fundraising goals. Rooted in service, support, and capacity-building, our team brings decades of experience to each engagement. We deeply value the uniqueness of each parish and build partnerships with them to craft tailored plans and desired outcomes.
OUR
MISSION Our unwavering commitment to assist the parishes of the Archdiocese of Boston to achieve their financial goals, ensuring the vitality of the Church’s central ministries, and perpetuating its enduring tradition of seeking support from its members to carry out good works.
HOW WE SERVE
PARISHES Optimizing the Annual Catholic Appeal We champion the Archdiocese of Boston’s annual campaign, seeking support for the vital work of central ministries. Through strategic planning and engagement, we work with parishes to maximize contributions to this noble cause.
Consulting Services Our team provides comprehensive consultation services, offering guidance on various aspects of parish fundraising. We serve as a trusted resource, equipping parishes with knowledge and tools for success.
Increased Offertory Program Recognizing that the weekly offertory is the lifeblood of parishes, we assist in developing programs that inspire greater generosity among parishioners. By nurturing a culture of giving, we help secure stable, ongoing financial support.
Online Giving Recognizing the relevance of today’s technology, we provide support in establishing robust online giving platforms. This empowers parishes to reach a broader audience and facilitates convenient and recurring contributions.
Capital and Grand Annual Campaigns For ambitious projects and significant financial needs, we collaborate with parishes to design and execute capital and grand annual campaigns. These campaigns raise substantial funds to realize the parish’s vision.
Planned Giving Encouraging long-term commitment to our faith, we assist in setting up planned giving programs. These initiatives enable parishioners to leave a lasting legacy, ensuring the sustainability of the community.
WE UNDERSTAND that every parish is unique, reflecting its distinct faith community. We listen attentively to each parish’s aspirations, challenges, and vision. By partnering with them, we develop customized plans and strategies, aligning our expertise with their specific needs.
The Annual
CATHOLIC APPEAL The Catholic Appeal is critical to the successful operation of the Archdiocese of Boston, providing more than 50% of the funds required to support the work of central ministries. Each parish in the Archdiocese is asked to do its fair share in support of the fund by implementing a multifaceted campaign administered by the Catholic Appeal Office. Parishes are by no means “on their own” when it comes to conducting an effective Appeal. The Catholic Appeal office provides multiple resources, including strategic content and solicitation and gift acknowledgement letters; a detailed campaign timetable; orientation, instruction, and scripts for pastors and volunteers; a guide for Commitment Weekend; campaign videos, posters, and other promotional materials; a case for support; and professional guidance and support throughout the year – all designed to promote a successful effort and allow for prayerful consideration for participation on the part of every parishioner. Success in the Annual Catholic Appeal not only provides vital resources to help the greater Church carry out its mission, but it also instills in parishes the sense of commitment to the larger community and pride in accomplishment – which so often fosters the confidence to move forward on their own to achieve successful results in increased offertory, capital, and grand annual fundraising efforts. The Parish Fundraising Services team provides hands-on, atparish guidance for appeal coordinators, pastors, and other parish leaders to help deliver a successful approach.
Increased
OFFERTORY PROGRAM A successful Increased Offertory Program (IOP) can have a dramatic impact on what is for most parishes its most constant and significant revenue stream – the weekly collection. An IOP is a roughly sixweek, parish-based initiative in which every family is asked to reflect on their current level of giving and to consider an increase. The amount of the increase is a decision that each family is asked to make on its own, supported with literature and pulpit talks that lay out the state of the parish and suggested giving levels. Most successful parishes realize an increase between 10 and 25%. An Increased Offertory Program… •
Educates parishioners on the state of the parish and its dayto-day operating expenses.
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Encourages parishioners to maintain a specific increase in their weekly offertory gift.
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Provides an opportunity for parishioners to demonstrate their commitment and responsibility to the vitality of the parish.
Capital and Grand Annual
CAMPAIGNS
In the life of a Catholic parish, there are moments that resonate with a sense of purpose, unity, and hope. Capital campaigns and grand annual campaigns stand as prime examples of such moments. These initiatives hold the potential to drive significant transformation and growth within a parish community, both in the present and well into its future. Understanding the profound importance of these campaigns, our team specializes in assisting parishes wishing to explore or conduct capital and grand annual campaigns. With decades of experience and a dedicated team, we are committed to guiding parishes through every phase of these essential endeavors.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS A capital campaign, in essence, is a parish-wide solicitation of pledge support aimed at addressing significant needs and/or initiatives within the parish. These could range from building a new church or renovating existing facilities to funding critical educational programs or expanding outreach efforts. Capital campaigns are not mere financial endeavors; they are transformative experiences that rally the parish community around a shared vision.
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Capital campaigns typically span a three-to-five-year period, allowing parishioners to fulfill their pledges in manageable installments. They serve as more than just fundraising efforts; they are expressions of faith, commitment, and unity. The successful execution of a capital campaign can breathe new life into a parish, symbolizing its vibrancy and hope for the future.
GRAND ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS: MEETING IMMEDIATE NEEDS In addition to capital campaigns, we recognize the importance of grand annual campaigns. These campaigns serve as vital fundraising efforts that go beyond regular offertory support. Grand annual campaigns are launched to address pressing needs in the moment, whether it be funding emergency repairs, supporting charitable initiatives, or ensuring the continued operation of essential programs.
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We understand the nuances and complexities of both capital and grand annual campaigns and offer a comprehensive approach to guide parishes through every phase of these crucial initiatives. •
Initial Assessment of Readiness: Before embarking on a campaign, we often recommend a thorough assessment to gauge the readiness of the parish. This includes evaluating the existing financial infrastructure, assessing the level of community engagement, and understanding the parish’s specific needs and goals.
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Evaluation of the Campaign Case: Crafting a compelling campaign case is paramount. We assist parishes in articulating their vision and needs, translating them into a persuasive narrative that resonates with potential donors.
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Strategic Conversations with Volunteer Leadership and Leadership Donors: Effective communication with parish leadership and key donors is essential. We help parishes develop strategies for engaging these critical stakeholders, ensuring their buy-in and support for the campaign.
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Campaign Timetable: A well-structured timetable is crucial for campaign success. We work with parishes to create a detailed campaign timeline, breaking down tasks week by week over what is typically a four-tosix-month period, and ensuring that all aspects of the campaign proceed smoothly.
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Establishing a Follow-up Program: A successful campaign doesn’t end with pledges; it continues with timely follow-up and payment tracking. We help parishes establish follow-up programs to ensure that pledged support is received and properly managed even after the active phase of the campaign concludes.
Capital campaigns and grand annual campaigns are pivotal moments in the life of Catholic parishes. They represent not only the present, but the future of these communities. With our experienced team by your side, your parish can embark on these transformative journeys with confidence, unity, and hope.
CONSULTING SERVICES The Parish Fundraising Services team has helped thousands of parishes reach mission and ministry goals through decades of hands-on experience. We understand that each parish is unique, and do not seek to employ one-size-fitsall strategies. No matter where a parish or collaborative community is on its journey, our team members are prepared to meet with parish leaders to listen and understand your goals – and build partnerships with parishes to develop strategies for success. Through our approach, parishes receive: •
An assessment of current offertory, grand annual and/or capital campaign performance and readiness
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Strategies for successful fundraising approaches
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Expert guidance in developing a compelling case for fundraising support
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Support and thought leadership for pastors and parish leaders who can feel ill-equipped and/or unsure of how best to proceed
We’ll help set your action plan in motion. And there is no cost whatsoever to the parish.
ONLINE GIVING Developing or enhancing an online giving strategy and program for Catholic parishes can yield a multitude of benefits for both parishioners and parishes. With the digital world so prevalent in our daily lives, online giving can be a powerful tool to strengthen our commitment to faith and support our communities. Online Giving not only offers convenience and ease of use, it also fosters a yearround commitment, aids in planning, and opens new opportunities for financial support. Convenience and Ease-of-Use: In today’s economy, convenience is a significant factor in decision-making. Offering online giving as an option allows parishioners to contribute to their parishes with just a few clicks from ANYWHERE! This convenience significantly increases participation, as it eliminates the need for physical cash or checks, which might be forgotten or misplaced. The process encourages regular giving without hassle. Year-Round Commitment: Online giving is a manifestation of true year-round commitment to the parish. It transcends the traditional collection, demonstrating that a parishioner’s support is unwavering, even when attendance at mass is not possible.
Online Giving cont’d
Financial Forecasting and Planning: Parishes often face financial challenges, from maintaining their facilities to supporting staff and community programs. An online giving program provides parishes with a more predictable and steady income stream, which enables them to better forecast and plan for their financial priorities. It allows them to allocate resources efficiently, address urgent requirements promptly, and invest in long-term projects with confidence. Support Beyond Sunday Collections: Online giving also opens doors for parishes to introduce additional opportunities for financial support. Special campaigns, like the grand annual campaign or a capital campaign, can be seamlessly integrated into the online giving platform, making it easier for parishioners to contribute to these important causes. Special collections for specific needs or emergencies can also be accommodated, ensuring that the parish can respond promptly to pressing matters. In today’s digital age, the online world has indeed become an integral and necessary part of our daily lives. Many people make purchases, pay bills, and manage their finances online. By extending this convenience to supporting their parish, parishioners are given a familiar and accessible way to express their faith and commitment.
PLANNED GIVING Establishing a platform to inform parishioners that their parish accepts planned and bequest gifts is a transformative step towards securing the future and sustaining the mission of the parish. By offering this option, we extend an invitation to our cherished community members to leave a lasting legacy that goes beyond their lifetime, demonstrating their enduring commitment to the parish. Creating a Lasting Legacy: Planned and bequest gifts allow parishioners to create a profound legacy within their parish. It is an opportunity to be remembered for generations to come, leaving a mark that reflects a dedication to their faith community. These gifts serve as a testament to one’s deep faith and the importance of the parish in their life’s journey, and ensure that their values, beliefs, and commitment to the parish endure long after they are gone. Financial Stability for the Parish: Planned gifts provide muchneeded financial stability to the parish. They offer a source of income that can help the parish continue its mission and meet its financial needs, especially during uncertain times. This income can be directed towards maintaining the parish’s facilities, supporting community programs, and ensuring that the spiritual needs of parishioners are met.
NOTES
PARISH FUNDRAISING SERVICES RESOURCES. GUIDANCE . E XPERTISE .
www.BostonCatholic.org/PFS 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184 • fundraising@rcab.org • 617-779-3714