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KNOW YOU NEED TO FUNDRAISE, BUT UNSURE WHERE TO START?

Do you have big dreams for your organization, but are held back by the lack of funds?

BOAT is a 10-week online course designed to equip nonprofit professionals like you with the 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
REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2024 BOAT SESSION

Cassy's BOAT Experience

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Daniel's BOAT Experience

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All The Tools You Need To Build A Successful 
Development Program

With BOAT you'll delve into 12 modules crafted by seasoned development experts 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.

What does BOAT include?

Course Material

Learn the essentials of starting and building fundraising programs with 12 modules including 50+ online video lessons, plus dozens of downloads and resources.

Samples and Templates

Jump-start the implementation of course materials with dozens of samples and templates from a variety of nonprofits.

Live Cohort

Gather virtually with other BOAT members, plus an experienced fundraising coach, to unpack and apply the lessons to your unique situation.

Finish BOAT with a network of peers to support you on your fundraising journey.

Personalized Feedback

Review your work and form a solid case for support, communications plan, and development plan for your nonprofit for the coming year in a 1:1 wrap up session with your coach.

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 

"The 10 week session was intense, but still allowed me to apply techniques I learned from each week's session.

I am still in communication with individuals I met through the cohort, asking advice and learning from one another. 

Petrus coaches have shared the joy in our fundraising successes!

I would recommend the BOAT program to any new fundraising professional."

Bethany Kendrick

Director of Development
St. Pius X Catholic Student Center at Pittsburg State University

Fall 2024 BOAT Session Registration

$1,500

  • Paid up front or as 3 monthly installments of $400
  • 12 online course modules with 50+ lessons of comprehensive fundraising training
  • Five (5) 90-minute cohort calls led by expert fundraising coach
  • Cohort Sessions October 7 - December 13
SIGN UP NOW: BOAT

Fall 2024 BOAT + Consulting Package

$1,950

  • Paid up front or as 3 monthly installments of $550
  • Three (3) 45-minute one-on-one sessions with a Petrus fundraising coach to help apply the lessons to your organization's unique needs
  • 12 online course modules of comprehensive fundraising training
  • Five (5) 90-minute cohort calls led by expert fundraising coach
SIGN UP NOW: BOAT + CONSULTING

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.

FALL 2024 BOAT  SCHEDULE

Friday, September 6
Early Bird pricing ends

Friday, October 4
Fall Session Registration Closes

Monday, September 30
A new module of content begins releasing each week.

Week of October 7
Cohort Calls begin*

Week of December 9:
Final Week of Cohort 

Most course materials are downloadable, and members retain online access to materials for 90 days after final cohort call.

*Cohort live call day and time will be set in collaboration with all Early Bird registrants the week of September 9, 2024.

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!

“Solid information, networking perks, trusted guides, proven methods. 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.

"BOAT  has given me a lot of knowledge about development in order to get things going in the right direction. I've gone from knowing very little about development, to being confident in setting up a good framework to move forward with a development plan."

-AJ Kingsmore

Auburn Catholic Campus Ministry

“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

“The BOAT lessons are extremely valuable and there is a lot of excellent information in the videos and PDFs. The examples, transcripts, and calendars are very helpful. The course material is absolutely outstanding, thorough, and comprehensive!”

-Michael Vento

Image of God Institute

“BOAT is more than what I was hoping for. The BOAT program has helped me to understand the process of forming relationships and building a case statement to present to our donors. It has exceeded my expectations.”

-Kim Allbee

The Catholic Center at the University of Vermont

Which Petrus Solution is Right for Me?

Would another solution be a better fit for your organization?

Lean more about the Annual Manual here.

Learn more about Major Gifts Coaching here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fall 2024 BOAT Session Registration

$1,200

Early Bird Pricing Through 9/6/24 (Regular: $1,500)

  • Paid up front or as 3 monthly installments of $400
  • 12 online course modules with 50+ lessons of comprehensive fundraising training
  • Five (5) 90-minute cohort calls led by expert fundraising coach
  • Cohort Sessions October 7 - December 13
SIGN UP NOW: BOAT

Fall 2024 BOAT + Consulting Package

$1,650

Early Bird Pricing Through 9/6/24 (Regular: $1,950)

  • Paid up front or as 3 monthly installments of $550
  • Three (3) 45-minute one-on-one sessions with a Petrus fundraising coach to help apply the lessons to your organization's unique needs
  • 12 online course modules of comprehensive fundraising training
  • Five (5) 90-minute cohort calls led by expert fundraising coach
SIGN UP NOW: BOAT + CONSULTING