Set Sail Toward a Self-Sustaining Fundraising Program
Basic Online Advancement Training (BOAT) Provides the Blueprint for a Successful Development Office
Do you have big dreams for your organization, but are held back by the lack of funds?
BOAT is a 9-week online course meticulously designed to equip nonprofit professionals like you with the essential knowledge, strategies, and support needed to structure and build a thriving fundraising program from the ground up.
Perfect For:
- Organizations looking to start fundraising from the ground level
- Training new staff in an established fundraising office
Get on the BOAT Waitlist
Be the first to know when Basic Online Advancement Training opens for enrollment
All The Tools You Need To Build A Successful Development Program
With BOAT you'll delve into 12 expertly-crafted modules that cover all aspects of fundraising.
BOAT will take you beyond the world of bake sales, bazaars, and door-to-door magazine sales to lay the groundwork for bringing in four-, five-, and six-figure donations.
Petrus Development is a teach-to-fish fundraising firm. Our mission is to equip Catholic ministries like yours to become self-sufficient in fundraising, so that you can grow your impact and reach more people.
Our seasoned instructors, with a wealth of experience in the Catholic fundraising sector, will be your navigators throughout this transformative journey.
“Wow! There is nothing basic about BOAT!”
It encompassed every aspect needed for a successful advancement plan. I loved that I could set my own pace to my schedule. The program is simply fantastic. Don’t hesitate to start, it will be the best decision you can make for your ministry!
-Patti Connors
St. Thomas More Newman Center at Ohio State University
What does BOAT include?
Course Material
Learn the essentials of starting and building fundraising programs with 12 modules of online videos, downloads and resources
Live Cohort
Gather with other BOAT members, plus an experienced fundraising coach, to unpack and apply the lessons to your unique situation
Online Community
Connect with others in your cohort, exchange ideas, and get your questions answered by fundraising coaches
PLUS Special Offers...
BOAT members will receive access to special offers from some of our partners like Catholic Social Media by Prenger Solutions Group
Expert Courses
You will learn:
- How to craft and communicate your vision effectively
- How to get your first donations
- How to qualify potential major donors
- How to approach major donors
- Where to focus your time for the most effective fundraising efforts
Your Instructors & Guides
Andrew N. Robison
Andrew has been in fundraising since 2005. He has worked in campus ministry and university settings and now serves as president and owner of Petrus Development. Andrew is also an adjunct professor in the University of Mary Institute for Catholic Philanthropy.
Sarah Rose
Sarah has been in the development field since 2010. She has fundraised for Catholic Charities of Central Texas and for the Dripping Springs Public Library. Additionally, Sarah has worked with many nonprofits as a consultant for Petrus Development.
Rhen Hoehn
Rhen has worked in development since 2015. As development director for St. Albert the Great University Parish at Michigan Tech, he oversaw the $3.14M Multiply the Mission campaign. Rhen has been a consultant for Petrus Development since 2018.
SPRING 2024 BOAT SCHEDULE
Friday, April 12
Registration Closes
Monday, April 15
New modules begin releasing, and cohort forum kicks off.
Tuesday, April 23:
Cohort Calls begin (see details below)
A new module of content releases each week.
Week of June 17:
Final Week of Cohort
Cohort Call
Spring 2024 Cohort meets every-other week.
Time: Tuesdays, 12:30pm-2:00pm eastern
Cohort Meeting Dates:
April 23
May 7
May 21
June 4
June 18
Building Your Blueprint
By the time you complete BOAT, you won't just have theoretical knowledge; you'll have a practical, customized blueprint for your organization's fundraising success.
This blueprint will be carefully crafted based on your nonprofit's unique mission, strengths, and opportunities.
You'll walk away with a vision for a well-structured development office that will serve as a foundation for growth and sustainability for years to come.
Hear from some of our AMAZING Alumni!
“The training has been excellent. It has presented many good ideas to build a well-organized, successful program.”
-Joe Rushlau
St. Albert the Great University Parish at Michigan Tech
“You don't know what you don't know. The course will make that known to you. It will also give you more than enough to make considerably impactful changes in your fundraising practice.”
-Roy Saab
iSupport
“Solid information, networking perks, trusted guides, proven methods, etc. BOAT is a such a testament for today's Catholics living in the world and still working for the Church. ”
-Catherine Richard
College Missions Co.
“A great set of digestible pieces that come together into a worthy feast of principles.”
-Daniel Kain
Holy Trinity Newman Center at NAU
“This course helped make development seem more do-able rather than overwhelming and impossible!”
-Amy Bishop
Newman Center at University of Pennsylvania/Drexel University
“The presentations were well done and have given me some great ideas. Thanks again for the great content!”
-Fr. Jason Johnston
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Which Petrus Solution is Right for Me?
Would another solution be a better fit for your organization?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is BOAT for?
Will this work for my type of nonprofit?
What modules are included in the course?
What will I walk away with from BOAT?
Do I have to attend the cohort calls?
Who is the right person at my organization to go through BOAT?
How long will I have access to the training modules?
How can I get other questions about BOAT answered?
Get on the BOAT Waitlist
Be the first to know when Basic Online Advancement Training opens for enrollment
