Live Workshops
Request a Call
The 6 Worst Types of Restaurants for Making a Solicitation

Picture this: Your organization's biggest donor prospect has finally agreed to meet about funding your new project. They're busy, they're selective about their philanthropic investments, and they've just said those magic words: 

"Let's discuss this over dinner. You pick the place." 

 

Suddenly, y...

Continue Reading...
Are Raffles Worth It for Your Catholic Nonprofit?

We’ve all been there. You’re brainstorming ideas for the next fundraiser and someone says, “What about a raffle?” It’s simple. It’s familiar. It feels like easy money.

 

Sure, raffles can bring in some quick funds and add a little fun to your fundraising calendar. But are they actually worth it?

...
Continue Reading...
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...

Continue Reading...
How to Handle Donor “Ghosting” After a Major Gift Ask

Father Michael had seen it all before. A generous donor seemed enthusiastic, nodding along, asking great questions, and even mentioning how much they admired the campus ministry's mission. 

 

Then came the ask. 

 

The donor smiled, said they’d think about it, and promised to follow up soon. Week...

Continue Reading...
Make Your Donor Calls 16 Times Better with 3 Small Tweaks

If you could make your donor calls 16 times more effective, would you? Of course you would. And the best part? You don’t need a new CRM, a bigger list, or a groundbreaking pitch. 

 

It just takes is three simple adjustments, all backed by research.

 

These aren’t gimmicks. They’re data-driven ch...

Continue Reading...
Make May Your Month: Creative Ways to Encourage New Monthly Donors

May isn’t just for flowers and graduations—it’s also the biggest month of the year for new monthly donor signups. That’s right! According to NeonOne, May sees more people commit to recurring giving than any other month.

 

Why? Maybe it’s the post-tax season calm, the inspiration of spring renewal,...

Continue Reading...
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...

Continue Reading...
3 Powerful Ways to Re-Engage LYBUNT and SYBUNT Donors Before Year-End

As the year wraps up, there’s one group of donors you don’t want to overlook: your LYBUNT (Last Year But Unfortunately Not This Year) and SYBUNT (Some Year But Unfortunately Not This Year) supporters. 

 

These are folks who believed in your mission enough to donate in the past but, for whatever re...

Continue Reading...
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...

Continue Reading...
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 ...

Continue Reading...
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...

Continue Reading...
Small Events Yield Big Payoffs

By Mary Walker, Petrus Blog Contributor


 

When we think of fundraising events, we may picture galas with sponsorships, lots of guests, food, drink, auctions, and entertainment. 

 

Smaller events are a way to raise funds that let you connect with benefactors at a personal level. These events ar...

Continue Reading...
1 2