Developing a Plan
Implementing a year-round fundraising strategy is crucial to ensure a steady flow of funds essential for advancing your parish's mission and activities. Below, is a suggested sample schedule that takes into account your parish's specific fundraising needs alongside the Archdiocese of Baltimore's broader programming through the Annual Appeal. This section includes a sample schedule, along with practical ideas and resources designed to enhance your fundraising efforts throughout the year.
A Year in Review
Impact Newsletter #1 (January):
-
A newsletter focused on a parish statistics, the number on baptism, confirmations, funerals, weddings, and other valuable statistics.
-
Mail or email the newsletter to parishioners.
​
Annual Appeal (February):
-
This is the kickoff to the annual appeal. Exact dates will be provided.
-
Expect an announcement and commitment weekend.
​
Mini-Campaigns (April and May):
-
This period is reserved for smaller fundraising campaigns and special projects.
-
Activities may include campaigns for specific projects, legacy giving opportunities, and initiatives to promote online giving. You advancement director can help lead and advise on these types of projects.
​
Impact Newsletter #2 (June):
-
A newsletter focused on a parish ministry and the leaders/volunteers that make it happen.
-
Mail or email the newsletter to parishioners.
​
ADV Check-in (July or August):
-
A strategic meeting with your Advancement Director to discuss various aspects of offertory and fundraising, such as:
-
Reviewing top givers and discerning trends in offertory contributions.
-
Planning out the offertory program dates for the upcoming period.
-
Preparing and ordering materials for offertory campaigns.
-
Evaluating the appeal performance to date.
​
Annual Report (Early September, before offertory program):
-
To build trust and transparency, to potentially increase Offertory giving, and to foster a stronger community, it’s recommended to provide your parishioners with an annual report, offering a concise overview of activities, achievements, and finances.
-
Template and samples available.
-
Mail the report in September before starting the offertory program.
​
Offertory Program (September - December):
-
A structured program that includes:
-
Mailing a letter from the pastor to the parish community.
-
An Announcement and commitment Weekend.
-
AOB provided resources for social media, homilies, announcements, letters and emails.
-
AOB will pay for Prayer cards, In-pew commitment cards and posters.
-
AOB can help coordinate mailing and organizing printing.
​
Giving Tuesday (December 3rd, 2024):
-
A call to action for parishioners to contribute on Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving that occurs after Thanksgiving.
-
AOB will provide resources to promote parish giving.
​
All year:
-
Use handwritten notes to say thankyou, congratulations, happy birthday and offer prayer.
-
Use video to reach out to parishioners and to tell your parish story, say thank you, express needs and build excitement about projects.
