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When Donor Visits Go Sideways

Every fundraiser eventually walks out of a donor meeting thinking, well, that didn't go how I planned.

 

Maybe the donor was cold. Maybe leadership said the wrong thing. Maybe the setting was a disaster. Maybe you realized halfway through that this was absolutely not the moment for an ask.

 

The...

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Catholic Fundraising Training Options: How to Choose the Right Program for Your Nonprofit

Whether you lead a Catholic school, a parish, or a mission-driven apostolate, fundraising training can be the difference between surviving and thriving. This guide breaks down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to find a program that fits your organization's mission and capacity.

 

Why Catho...

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Dressing for Donor Meetings

When you walk into a donor meeting, you’re not just bringing your case for support, you’re bringing yourself. 

 

How you present yourself matters. 

 

Attire won’t close a gift on its own, but the wrong choices can distract, undercut confidence, and even send unintended signals. 

 

Fundraisers ...

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The Worst Catholic Fundraising Advice We’ve Ever Heard (and What to Do Instead)

If you have been in fundraising for any length of time, you’ve probably received some advice that made you stop and think, “There is no way that actually works.” 

 

Sometimes this advice comes from well-meaning friends, board members, or even other nonprofit leaders. The problem is that bad Cathol...

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The Catholic Difference: How Social Teaching Transforms Fundraising

By Andrew Robison, Petrus President


 

As a Catholic fundraising professional with two decades of experience working alongside Church and nonprofit leaders, I've witnessed firsthand how Catholic Social Teaching (CST) shapes successful fundraising practices. The intersection of these principles wi...

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How to Boost Your Catholic Fundraising Appeals with Goals and Deadlines

If you're looking for ways to improve your Catholic fundraising results, you're not alone. 

 

Every Catholic ministry, school, campus ministry, and parish wants their appeals to inspire donors and move them to action.

 

Here’s one simple but powerful strategy to get there: set clear appeal goals...

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The Easiest Donor Meetings You’ll Ever Schedule

The start of the year is full of fresh goals, long to-do lists, and that faint hope that this will be the year you finally organize your inbox. (Spoiler alert: it won’t be.) 


But there’s one task you should definitely add to your calendar that’s both rewarding and surprisingly easy:  stewardship me...

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Diving Deep: Grants + Foundations - A Petrus Development Show Episode

 

In response to repeated inquiries about foundation funding, Petrus offers this special deep dive into how to maximize grantwriting success.  Join Andrew and Rhen as they explore strategic approaches for nonprofits seeking grants, including the key principle of treating foundations as major donors...

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The Top 5 Most-Listened-to Episodes of The Petrus Development Show in 2024

Let’s face it—2024 was a big year for The Petrus Development Show! Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just here for the inspiration, these episodes struck a chord with listeners everywhere. So, grab your favorite coffee (or eggnog if that’s your thing), and let’s count down the top five episode...

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End-of-Year Solicitations for Major Gifts Officers: How to Max Out Your Giving Season

The end of the year is fast approaching—cue the Christmas carols, holiday lights, and of course, the critical fundraising push for nonprofits like yours. For major gifts officers, this is crunch time. 

 

Generosity is at its peak during these last few months - in fact, 30% of annual giving happens...

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Master These 3 Elements of Fundraising First

By Rhen Hoehn, Director of Marketing


 

You would not build a house without first creating blueprints, gathering building materials, and pouring a foundation.

 

It wouldn’t make any sense to start the build by constructing a gourmet kitchen without plumbing, electricity, or even a roof and say ...

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Optimizing Fundraising Events for Catholic Nonprofits

 

Let's Discuss the Importance of Fundraising Events.

 

Most fundraisers realize that events are a key component in a well-rounded development program. 

 

However, not all events should include an ask for financial support. 

 

Your nonprofit’s development event calendar should reflect the sam...

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