1.
Toward a Theology of
Fundraising
A Steward’s View at the Process
Steve Virgadamo
June 2015
The National Advancement
Conference for Catholic Schools

2.
“I have been so many years collecting money for churches
and institutions of all kinds that I have come to the
conclusion that there is no way of getting it except by
personal appeal to those who have it, and that appeal the
coming from the lips of an enthusiastic speaker.”
Archbishop Patrick Riordan
Archbishop Of San Francisco, 1912
From Page 127 of The Catholic Philanthropic Tradition In America By Mary J. Oates
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3.
What is the best way to raise money in an
economic crisis?
“Focusing on faith-raising” not
fundraising is the key!”
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4.
The day had started off as most ordinary days do. The sun
rose just above the valley to the east of the small village
where she had lived her entire life. She could smell the
fragrance of some of the early spring blossoms as the aroma
floated through the open window.
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5.
Although she had many things to do, she found her
mind drifting away from the tasks at hand, as she
wondered how her life would soon be changing.
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6.
After washing some clothes and doing a few other
household chores, she realized that the morning
had quickly passed. She planned to sew a little that
afternoon. She had promised to mend some things
for her husband. She smiled as she thought how
lucky she was. He was such a kind and loving man.
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7.
Although they had not been married long, she
already knew what were some of his favorite foods.
And, tonight, she wanted their evening meal to be
special.
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8.
The afternoon quickly faded into evening. All was
ready. She began to anxiously peak outside the
doorway to see if his familiar silhouette would soon
appear just over the hill.
She lit a candle that flickered and danced in
the cool breeze that entered her tiny home.
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9.
Then she saw him appear just above the crest of the
hill. He was young and strong and he walked with
confident, long strides, even after a long day’s work.
She could tell he was happy to be coming home to
her.
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10.
She loved him so. Suddenly she could wait no longer
and she found herself beginning to scamper and run
like a child towards him.
Surprised at her exuberance, he paused and
smiled and then quickened his own pace to meet
her.
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11.
Wrapping her in his strong but gentle arms he
laughed at her excitement but before he could say a
word, she gazed up into his face. Her eyes were
glistening, Her face was radiant.
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12.
“Oh, Joseph,” she said,
“I have something wondrous to tell you.”
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13.
“A theological reflection on fund raising gets to the
heart of its value as a human and Christian
enterprise because theology asks if in all the efforts
expended on behalf of fund raising, do we discover
the mystery of God’s presence.”
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14.
“When those with money and those who need
money share a mission, we see a central sign of new
life in the Spirit of Christ. We belong together in our
work because Jesus has brought us together, and
our fruitfulness depends on staying connected to
Him. Therefore, those who need money and those
who can give money meet on the common ground
of God’s love.”
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Spirituality of Fundraising
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15.
“If we come back from asking someone for money
and we feel exhausted and somehow tainted, there
is something wrong. We must not let ourselves be
tricked into thinking that fundraising is only a
secular activity. As a form of ministry, fundraising is
as spiritual as giving a sermon, entering a time of
prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry. So
fundraising has to help us with our conversion too.”
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Spirituality of Fundraising
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Conference for Catholic Schools

16.
Believe that people want to hear good news and to be part of
something life-giving, successful and, yes, holy.
Be expansive of spirit and magnanimous of heart;
Care for the donor and take delight in the relationship.
Evince a collaborative, communal, participatory and enthusiastic
disposition.
Keep the big picture in mind, for the sake of what is in the donor’s best
interest and in the best interest of the church’s larger mission.”
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17.
If God loves a cheerful giver, so, too, God
must smile delightfully upon a joyful
fundraiser.
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18.
+ in my mind, so that in all that I do, I may sense the
presence of the Mystery of God;
+ on my lips, so that I may proclaim the good news and be an
instrument of God’s covenant relation with his people;
+ in my heart, so that I am open to conversion experience to
which my ministry calls me;
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19.
And finally I pray everyday, that I may do so,
like Mary of Nazareth, with courage and
conviction—with guts! AMEN.
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20.
When all is said and done, here’s how easy it is:
The right person asks The right prospect
For
The right amount in The right way
At
The right time for The right cause
With
The right follow up.
And You…You are the right person!
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21.
For more information….
Steven Virgadamo
Follow Twitter @svirgadamo
svirgadamo@partnersinmission.com
StevenVirgadamo.com
SteveVirgadamo.com
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