Petrus Newsletter - February 2010

In our line of work, we hear people use words like Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan and often they carry a different meaning for different people. A colleague once told me that, "Vision is what it looks like when the Mission has been fulfilled." Great concept isn't it? You work hard to provide the resources for your organization's mission and this "snapshot' of the fulfillment of that mission can make for a pretty spectacular picture in our mind. What needs to happen to make your ministerial dreams become reality?

Over the past several years, Petrus has been fortunate to help articulate a clear and compelling Vision, along with strategic priorities, for a variety of ministries and organizations.

As one of our services, we offer a 2-day "Visioning Day" that brings together various constituencies to participate in the process of charting the course for the future. Each Visioning Day is designed to engage people as they dream about the future of an organization, as well as establish shared goals, strategies and generate buy-in needed to realize those dreams. Goals are often translated into work groups consisting of staff, volunteers and benefactors who make the commitment to implement the plan.

In addition to articulating a common vision for the future, this process can be an excellent way to engage a diverse group of stakeholders in a discussion about the future of your organization. For instance, the San Juan Diego Catholic High School Visioning Day was a dynamic event which has served as a catalyst for the engagement and buy-in of their volunteers and benefactors.

I am convinced that a process inviting key people to offer their involvement and guidance will lead to significant investment. What are you doing to invite people to become involved, in meaningful ways, in your mission? How do you ask for their input? Are you prepared to be truly engaged in a mutually meaningful relationship with benefactors?

I hope you enjoy this edition of Petrus E.D. Please let me know if you would like to visit about conducting a Visioning Day for your organization.

Take care,
Peter de Keratry, CFRE
Managing Principal

The Power of Social Network Fundraising St. Mary's Cathedral

By Brittany Janis
Director of Development
Busted Halo

Social networks are rapidly shifting the way individuals and companies communicate. Technology has not only changed the means through which people maintain relationships, but has revolutionized the size of those relationship networks and the magnitude of information which is shared through them. An individual's capacity to publicly show their support for causes, people, and products has never been greater. Organizations, both for and non-profit, are seeking to capitalize on that potential. Competing for the hearts, minds, and now status updates of their constituents, non-profits face the challenge of determining how best to keep their donors' attention.

Facebook has more 350 million active users worldwide. Platforms such as Twitter have an estimated user base of 18 million, and they are growing in popularity daily. Social networks are where people communicate regularly and development professionals must ask themselves how they can effectively tap into these marketplaces of potential benefactors. In the days following the tragedy in Haiti... More

How Do YOU Express Gratitude to Your Benefactors?

By Colleen de Keratry
Senior Consultant

Petrus Development

Ever catch yourself acting more like a drive-thru banking customer utilizing benefactors as ATM machines? Or do you show your gratitude for interest and support of your organization by focusing on the person behind the 'machine?'

In this month in which we recognize St. Valentine as the Patron Saint of Love, it's fitting that we might stop and think about how we nurture and cherish the relationships we have with those whose financial gifts are a testament to the love they have for God and building up His kingdom. So how do we do it?

First, we must be good stewards of the resources given to us to help make the harvest plentiful. Follow through on commitments to spend revenue as promised... More

Empower the Church: Enlist the Help of A Leadership Council St. Mary's Cathedral

By Fr. Joe Vetter
Director of Campus Ministry

Duke Catholic Student Center

You and I have a mission. Each of us has been entrusted with fulfilling Jesus' commission to go and teach all nations. As a Director of Campus Ministry, I have been sent to nurture Catholic leaders and engage a secular culture. Others may be asked to teach in an elementary or high school, or feed the spiritual or physical needs of young adults, or lead an organization committed to finding God in our midst.

We can learn from others, but there is no definitive model for fulfilling our mission. We are pioneers. The Bible reminds us that we cannot "put new wine into old wineskins". Ours is a creative ministry. Our work can seem overwhelming at times. It's important to remember that we are not alone. We are the Catholic Church in the world.

Petrus consultant John Flynn often reminds me... 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.