Three major trends in Catholic fundraising

Friday, August 26th, 2016

I have vivid memories of attending Mass throughout my childhood and youth and listening to the priest, financial parish secretary or visitor explain, as an auditor would, why there wasn’t enough money or why they needed more.

The person speaking said something like this: “We are doing fantastic work, but we can only continue because of your financial support. Therefore, please give.” Browsing the faces around me, I noticed most people passively listened, waiting for the speaker to finish.

The unfortunate part was the joy of celebrating the Mass was disrupted by a tepid, five-minute request for money.

Fast forward to today, after experiencing countless Sunday appeals and second collections, I recognize that most requests for funds are dull and disruptive. My assumption is you agree with me.

The Landscape of Catholic Fundraising is Changing
I understand the importance of giving, and I enjoy supporting Catholic causes, but I have come to the conclusion that the only reason they asked me is that I was sitting in the pew, unable to run away.

Everything else is secondary, such as how diligent the organization is in managing money, how faithful they are to Church teaching, or how successful they are in their mission. Their stewardship of my generosity is never discussed.

The following Sunday, if lucky, I may hear, “Thank you for your generosity. We raised [the amount].” The end. I won’t hear anything from them until the following year when I am asked to replicate my generosity.

Repeat this scenario 30 or 40 times, and this is what most Catholics experience each Sunday throughout the year. Our fundraising culture is founded on dull, disruptive appeals, one after another, with minimal stewardship on the part of the recipient.

This method of fundraising, which dominates the Catholic Church, along with other methods such as auctions and dinners, has undoubtedly accomplished much over the past decades. At the same time, these methods appear to be gaining rust.

Statistics on the level of giving by Catholics has remained low (in comparison to Protestant denominations) and stagnant for several decades, and there appear to be no signs of any increases. Continue reading