About Fundraising Solutions Education Podcast Blog Jobs Board Conference Login LET'S CONNECT
Basic Online Advancement Training

We believe that underfunded ministries will always struggle to accomplish their mission. Petrus exists to help Catholic organizations SAY YES to doing more. 

The Petrus BOAT is an educational system designed for dioceses and large membership-based entities to introduce their members and leaders to the basic aspects of Catholic fundraising. BOAT does this through a library of online on-demand videos, audio files, guides and downloads and a team member assigned to offer guidance and support to all members. In addition, Petrus offers monthly virtual training sessions and two half-day virtual workshops customized to your particular members' needs.

Content can be accessed through the Petrus website and users are granted access to all the resources to work through on their schedule or as part of a cohort.

Let's get on the BOAT, cast out into the deep and make a real difference!

I WANT TO GET ON THE BOAT!

WATCH THIS:

 

ARE YOU READY TO CAST OUT INTO THE DEEP?

SCHEDULE YOUR LIVE DEMO

CONTENT

Sessions cover a breadth of advancement topics falling under the following pillars...

INSPIRATION

Encourage participants to explore development as a ministry

Show achievable means to new and sustainable financial resources

Share stories and examples from similar institutions who engage donors in mission support

Break down long-term plans into realistic action steps that lead to sustained progress

EDUCATION

Teach leaders to build a year-round fundraising program

Tactical training videos and resources that promote actionable steps

Calendar templates that allow organizations to map out activities well in advance and build in accountability

Advice from practitioners who have “been there and done that”

INFORMATION

Sample policies and industry best practices ensure confidence in moving forward

Understanding trends in fundraising and strategies to execute innovative techniques

Sample resources including thank you letters and receipts, newsletters, digital communications

Support for accessing and utilizing resources in the digital portal 

WHO? WHAT? HOW?

Who can BENEFIT from getting on the Petrus BOAT?

  • Dioceses and Archdioceses
  • Professional Associations
  • Nonprofit Networks
  • Seminaries and Universities 

What OUTCOMES should users expect?

  • Better understand development principles and be equipped to implement these principles to build financial sustainability
  • Access to resources to help their team gain confidence in implementing a development program
  • Users are supported by the Petrus team and connected to other similar ministries through a COHORT-STYLE approach to learning

How is CONTENT organized in the Petrus BOAT?

  • Infrastructure: Policies, procedures, systems and goals
  • Mission & Case: Why should donors support? 
  • Development Plan: Communications, Annual Fund, Stewardship, Events and more
  • Team: Individual Roles & Responsibilities
  • Major Gifts: Developing Relationships to move donors to sacrificial giving

 

Pastors have years of training in ministry and pastoral care, but what about administration and fundraising? If parishes are going to be successful, however, it is critical that they have at least a basic understanding of how to ask for financial support. The Petrus BOAT is designed to teach intentional, practical, and successful strategies for pastors and parishes to use to reach their full financial stewardship potential.  From increasing the Sunday offertory to implementing a planned giving initiative, BOAT coaching and courses will help create sustainable financial security in today’s changing world. 

Need a new parish hall, financial aid packages or to hire more staff? The Petrus BOAT helps parishes and their schools reach their full financial potential.  With an integrated approach to parish stewardship plus school and community engagement, BOAT offers practical methods to bring awareness to financial needs and offers creative solutions to elevate the entire Catholic community.  

We all know that college campuses are now "mission territory." The Petrus BOAT helps Newman Centers and Catholic campus ministry programs fulfill their financial goals and therefore advance their mission to engage college students at a critical time in their lives. By utilizing many of the same strategies of university advancement teams, campus ministries can engage more students as they expand their programming and campus reach through financial sustainability.  

Many faithful Catholics credit much of their upbringing to the foundation they were given during their time at Catholic grammar school. The Petrus BOAT helps parochial schools understand and achieve their fundraising goals.  By offering a holistic and intentional strategy to development and advancement, schools can transition from the “bake-sale“ mentality to an attitude of abundance through long-term, sustainable fundraising and marketing.  

"My Catholic high school changed my life," is a commonly heard statement in the Church. And yet, how many of those faithful Catholic alumni are giving back to the school that gave them so much? Through practical solutions, creative advice, and best practices in educational advancement, the Petrus BOAT teaches Catholic Secondary Schools that it is possible to achieve financial stability and sustainability.  It's not enough to host one annual gala or send a single appeal letter home with your students. BOAT coaching teaches schools to implement a year-round, comprehensive program that communicates gratitude and impact to alumni, parents and community leaders that makes a real difference. 

What does every nonprofit need to reach their potential? More money! The Petrus BOAT is designed to give Catholic nonprofits of all kinds the practical knowledge, tactical solutions, and creative ideas to launch or enhance their development efforts.  Guides, courses, and coaching helps organizations understand, achieve, and exceed their financial goals and therefore fulfill their mission.   


Get on the Petrus BOAT!

I want to take our development efforts to the next level with BOAT. Contact me to schedule a LIVE DEMO of BOAT.


CAPTAIN AND THE CREW

Our Team of Qualified Instructors is ready to get your Members sailing the High Seas!

Andrew Robison

Andrew is owner and President of Petrus Development. He has worked in development since 2005 at two Catholic campus ministry programs and a university foundation. Andrew has led hundreds of hours of virtual and in-person sessions, hosts The Petrus Development Show podcast and is an Adjunct Professor for the University of Mary. 

Tara Doyon

Tara Doyon is Petrus' Director of Client Services and Senior Consultant. Tara has over 20 years in development for the YMCA, a women's clinic and a Catholic campus ministry. Tara loves teaching and training development staff and has earned her Certificate in Religious Fundraising from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Sarah Rose

Sarah is Director of Communications and Consultant for Petrus. Sarah has over 10 years of consulting experience with dozens of Catholic ministries across the US and around the world. Sarah attended St. Edwards University, leads the monthly Petrus Virtual Book Study and co-hosts the Petrus Women in Philanthropy podcast series. 

FIRST MATE: Account Management & Support

Every good BOAT needs a FIRST MATE. Support from an exclusive PETRUS ACCOUNT MANAGER unlocks the power of the content and results in higher utilization rates and long-term success. Our goal is to increase engagement over time to ensure more ministries can grow their development programs.

  • Follow up with webinar attendees
  • Weekly outreach to all members 
  • Focused outreach & guidance to non-utilizing members. 
  • Dedicated support sessions with users as needed to answer questions
  • Organization of cohort sessions for discussion to drive community building amongst the development community

gamification

gam·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion

: the process of adding games or gamelike elements to something (such as a task) so as to encourage participation

The basic concept of gamification isn't new, but the word itself is a 21st-century addition to the English lexicon. The word refers to the incorporation of game elements, like point and reward systems, to tasks as incentives for people to participate. In other words, gamification is about making something potentially tedious into a game. Gamification is effective because it taps into people's natural desires for competition and achievement. Teachers, managers, and others use gamification to increase participation and improve productivity. 


The Petrus BOAT uses elements of gamification to encourage participation and learning of the basic principles and best practices of fundraising. Our instructors and curriculum coaches have designed a course program meant to guide anyone from novice to advanced understanding over the course of the year. 

source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary


"Our partner schools are desperate to learn more about fundraising but don't always have a great place to turn. It's such a blessing for us to be able to provide them access to a group like Petrus who we trust to deliver solid content. "

John F
Fellowship of Catholic University Students

"In my role, I am asked probably weekly for fundraising advice. There are so many schools, parishes and nonprofits that I just don't have the bandwidth to help them all the way I would like. The BOAT program that Petrus has developed gives me tremendous comfort to know there's a trustworthy place I can direct them to make them more successful. "

Cory H
Archdiocese of New Orleans & #iGiveCatholic

"Is a program like BOAT needed for the Church? 1,000 percent YES! How else are parishes, schools and nonprofits going to do what the world needs of them if they don't have the money to make it happen?"

Tim G
Archdiocese of Denver

"The resources that they bring are the best in the Church."

Fr. Kerry W
St John Catholic University Parish @ Oklahoma State University

THE VIRTUAL HARBOR

Come in to Dock anytime as Content is Accessible 24/7/365 through our Web and Mobile Platforms.


Cost and Discounts

$15,000 Base Annual Rate

  • Dioceses, Professional Associations, Nonprofit Networks, Seminaries & Universities contract with Petrus to deliver BOAT directly to their members
  • Includes 12 months of live and on-demand content PLUS account management & member support

Plus Member Fees (scaled depending on how many members will be accessing BOAT)

  • 25-100 Members: $10,000 per year
  • 100-250 Members: $20,000 per year
  • 250-500 Members: $30,000 per year
  • > 500 Members: Call for Rates

Optional Add-On Services

  • One-day In-Person Group Training Workshop
  • Comprehensive Development Audit & Assessment
  • Institutional Mission & Vision Session

Two-Year Agreement: 10 percent discount on fees

Members receive 10 percent discount on all Petrus Events (includes Virtual Summits & Petrus Development Conference)

Members receive discounts on additional Petrus Consulting Services (Annual Manual, Feasibility Studies, Campaign Services and more)


Do you have questions? Contact Andrew Robison at [email protected] to discuss. 


Close

50% Complete

Two Step

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.