Petrus Newsletter - December 2009

December 2009

In the Spotlight

A Catholic Understanding of Stewardship & Development

Major Gifts: Preparing For & Handling Objections

What I've Learned About Making "the Ask"

In the Spotlight

Vatican Observatory Foundation

"I take this occasion to express my gratitude not only for the careful studies which have clarified the precise historical context of Galileo's condemnation, but also for the efforts of all those committed to the ongoing dialogue and reflection on the complementarity of faith and reason in the service of an integral understanding of man and his place in the universe."

Pope Benedict XVI welcomed benefactors of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, staff of the Observatory and leading international astronomers from around the world in a private audience October 30, 2009.

The Foundation organized a week-long "Guardians Trip to Rome" as a special way of recognizing top benefactors and introducing new friends to the work of the Vatican Observatory. The event was a smashing success, generating funds for the Foundation, informing and involving new benefactors and stewarding relationships with some of the organization's most committed supporters.

Don't Miss

Vatican Observatory astronomer Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ TONIGHT on "The Colbert Report" to talk about the Vatican Observatory!

11:30 pm EST/ 10:30 CST

Greetings!

Can you believe it is already December?

I can't get over the idea that 2009 has gone by in the blink of an eye. The recent Thanksgiving holiday gave us all time to think about the many blessings in our lives. For me, this includes the friends and colleagues of Petrus Development, and the men and women whose financial support empowers us to do the many great works of the Church throughout the United States and the world. For so much... we are thankful!

With the coming of December, it is a great time to refocus development efforts thanking existing benefactors, letting them know how important they are to your organization, and asking them to continue supporting your work. A clear and concise action plan is essential here. Where are your LYBUNT benefactors? LYBUNT simply means someone who gave your ministry a gift "Last Year, But Unfortunately Not This year." With the sprint to the finish of the year, we should make reaching out to LYBUNT benefactors the #1 priority in the month of December.

What special effort can you make to reach out to this group of benefactors? After all, it is much easier to reconnect with someone who made a gift to support your work last year, than it is to establish a relationship with a new benefactor.

The entire Petrus team wishes you a wonderful Advent and a joyous Christmas season!

Take care,
Peter de Keratry, CFRE
Managing Principal

January 4-6, 2010

Hilton, Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, Florida

The Petrus Leadership Conference is just around the corner! It isn't too late to register!

Check out the complete workshop descriptions and updated schedule.

An investment in the conference will equip you with new skills and tools to meet your budget challenges proactively and with faith!

We hope to see you in Orlando!

A Catholic Understanding of Stewardship & Development

St. Mary's Cathedral

By Jude M. Werner, M.T.S, M.A.
Director of Development
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

The Catholic Church has been described as the "largest charitable organization on the planet."[i] But what really is Catholic about philanthropy? Is there any difference between so-called "Catholic" philanthropy and other secular philanthropic organizations? Isn't "stewardship" simply another program designed to increase Sunday collections? These and other questions are pertinent to understanding the philosophical and theological roots of Catholic stewardship and philanthropy. Further, an effort to relate secular philanthropic organizations with their Catholic counterpart begins with considering the fundamental paradigms, motivations and worldviews of each.

A holistic perspective of Catholic charitable giving must be viewed from two differing, albeit complimentary, perspectives of the faithful: the internal motivations and the external beneficiaries. More...

[i] "Epic." CatholicComeHome.Org., 2009.

Major Gifts: Preparing For & Handling Objections

     By Mike Perkins
     Senior Consultant
     Petrus Development

Years ago, I learned an essential fundraising lesson: responding to a benefactor's objections or concerns is an expected, and critically important, element of each major gift ask.

Our Vice-President for University Advancement, accompanied by the university's Chairman of the Board of Trustees, departed our office full of hope and excitement, setting forth to ask a long-time and very generous benefactor to Chair our large comprehensive campaign and make the multi-million dollar lead gift. It was a sure thing! Two hours later, the VP returned, calling her staff together to deliver More...

What I've Learned About Making "the Ask"

By George V. Coyne, S.J.
President, Vatican Observatory

Foundation

"Ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and it shall be opened unto you" says the Holy Book. It sounds pretty easy. I found that it is not, even when I trust that the Holy Spirit is doing his job. For me to say "thank you" is the best way to approach a prospective donor even before explaining one's needs; and even that is not easy. More...

Petrus Development is committed to strengthening Catholic organizations now - for the benefit of the future. Through the creation of long-term sustainable fund development programs, the Petrus team empowers ministries to reach new levels of success by leading teams of benefactors, boards and staff through the fund development process.