Petrus Development | Teaching Catholic Fundraising

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2024 was a banner year for blogs over at Petrus Development. Whether you’re a fundraising rookie or a seasoned pro, these posts brought the heat, the heart, and the how-to. Let’s count them down in reverse order because, you know, suspense is everything. 😏 🥉 #3: “Do I Really Need to Meet Donors Face-to-Face to Raise Money?” (March 5, 2024) Short answer: Yes. Long answer: YES, YES, YES. This article took a hard look at the “can’t I just email?” crowd and made a compelling case for in-person donor relationships. From inspiring examples to practical tips, it proved there’s no substitute for the magic of a handshake and eye contact. (Spoiler: donors are people too!) 👉 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gTmPa6u6 🥈 #2: “Setting Fundraising Goals: The Top Five Metrics” (January 4, 2024) Who doesn’t love starting the year with a plan? This post became an instant classic by showing us how to set goals like a fundraising rockstar. From donor retention to campaign ROI, it broke down the five key metrics you need to measure (and crush) your goals. Bonus points for making data sound...actually exciting. 👉 Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gJbxweUr 🥇 #1: “End-of-Year Solicitations for Major Gifts Officers” (October 15, 2024) And the gold medal goes to...end-of-year fundraising! This post was basically Santa’s little helper for every major gifts officer scrambling to close the year with a bang. Packed with strategies for crafting the perfect ask, it was the ultimate guide to maxing out giving season. If you missed it, add it to your holiday reading list (right after the eggnog). 👉 Read the #1 article: https://lnkd.in/exB4rKGZ And there you have it—the top three blogs of 2024! These posts weren’t just helpful; they were game-changers for fundraisers everywhere. Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Start by giving these a read (or a re-read).

SEEK25 Salt Lake City Attendees! Know your ministry needs to engage more major donors, but not sure where to start? Or thinking about a capital campaign, and need to figure out the strategy? This is your chance to sit down with an experienced Catholic fundraiser and pick their brain - at no cost! Free 30-minute, 1:1 session with a Petrus Development fundraising coach at SEEK25. Just save your spot at the link below. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eEa9bfZK #SEEK25 #Focus #petrusdevelopment #development #fundraising #raisethechurch

It is true - 84% of donors are more likely to give if a matching gift is offered.

Fundraiser’s Dinner Etiquette Tip #9: Finishing the Meal with Grace Ending a meal at a formal dinner has its own set of polite guidelines. Here are a few ways to close out the evening with style: 🍽️ Leave plates as they are – When you’re finished, keep your plates in place rather than pushing them aside or stacking them. 🍴 Signal you’re done – Place your fork and knife diagonally across your plate, pointing at 10:00 and 4:00. This subtle signal tells the wait staff you’re finished. 🥡 Skip the to-go box – Avoid asking for leftovers. At a formal dinner, it’s best to show that you came for the company, not just the food. 💵 The initiator takes care of the check – Typically, the person who arranged the meal pays and tips accordingly: 15% for moderate service, 20% for excellent. 📝 Thank your host – A genuine thank-you to your host goes a long way. It shows appreciation for the invitation and for the thoughtful experience they’ve provided. Following these steps helps you leave a polished, professional impression. What tips would you add for ending a formal meal, such as with a major donor? Share below! 👇 #DinnerEtiquette #petrusdevelopment #fundraising #development #faithbasedfundraising #fundraisingdinner #EtiquetteTips

At dinner, a major donor asks you to choose a wine to order for the table but doesn’t provide any indication of their preference. 🍷 What are you choosing? Why?

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Nothing like making an ask while shouting over Nickelback....

Fundraiser’s Dinner Etiquette Tip #8: Dining with Poise Dining etiquette can make a strong impression at a formal dinner, so here are a few tips to help you navigate with grace: 🥖Bread basics – Tear your bread into small pieces, buttering a few bites at a time. Avoid cutting it with a knife or eating it whole. 🍲 Soup etiquette – Gently stir your soup to cool it, rather than blowing on it. And when you take a spoonful, scoop it away from you. 🥗 Mind your bites – Take small bites, chew with your mouth closed, and definitely don’t talk with your mouth full! 🥘 No double-dipping – If you’re sharing a common dish, like a sauce, avoid double-dipping to keep things courteous. 🍴 American-style dining – When cutting your food, use your right hand for the knife and your left for the fork. Then, switch the fork to your right hand to take a bite. 🍽️ Follow the host’s lead – Let the host set the pace for each course. Waiting until they begin ensures you’re in sync with the table. These small details show attention to etiquette and respect for your dining companions. What dining tips do you always keep in mind? Share below! 👇 #DinnerEtiquette #petrusdevelopment #fundraising #development #faithbasedfundraising #fundraisingdinner #EtiquetteTips

Will you be attending SEEK25 in Salt Lake City? Put your head together with one of our Petrus fundraising coaches while you are there, and get answers to your questions about development - FREE. Sign up for a free 30-minute, one-on-one consultation with a fundraising coach at SEEK, where you can discuss: ✅Major Gifts fundraising ✅Planning a campaign ✅Planning the future for your fundraising efforts ✅Staffing considerations ✅Strategic planning ✅Questions about specific projects ✅Fundraising graphic design needs or anything else that is on your mind about fundraising To schedule your free 30-minute session with a fundraising coach, simply fill out the form here: https://lnkd.in/eEa9bfZK