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In the more than three decades that we have been raising funds to further the mission of the Catholic Church, we have found it rare that a pastor, bishop, or institutional leader loves to ask for money. In fact, it is usually quite the opposite.
During conversations with potential client partners, I will sometimes ask, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how comfortable are you asking someone for money?” Inevitably, the question gets a smile and a tentative response: “Less than a 5.”
There are occasional responses that are quite enthusiastic, but that is not the norm. And that's okay! Our directors are with campaign leadership every step of the way to help prepare, settle the nerves, and assist in moving forward. What happens next is something we have witnessed time and time again - something changes.
The visits become enjoyable! Why? Because the ask becomes secondary to the invitation to participate more deeply in the mission and life of the parish.
What began as an uncomfortable conversation about a financial commitment becomes an opportunity to listen, connect, share a vision, and strengthen relationships. People talk about their families, their faith, their experiences, and what they hope to see for future generations. They share their concerns and their dreams.
We have seen these relationships continue long after a campaign has ended. As one pastor we worked with shared with us:
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“We launched our campaign within my first year as Pastor. The prospect of having to sit with thirty or so parishioners to ask them to make a substantial multi-year financial commitment wasn’t the most appealing.
I had already gotten to know some of the pivotal families in the parish, but the major donor conversations helped me to get to know others who weren’t perhaps as ‘standout’, but who were clearly invested.
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Rev. Gregory Rannazzisi,
Pastor, St. Gerard Majella
and Infant Jesus Parishes
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The truth is that the way LDA leadership framed the conversations made them not only easy, but also helped me to identify those who were most invested in our parish. I learned a great deal about my parish and its amazing families.
In fact, it helped to shape my Pastoral Council, which is top-notch!”
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So, how do you make the most of these important conversations?
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Be prepared: Know the vision, understand the project, and be ready to answer questions.
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Know a little about the person you're visiting - and be willing to learn more: The goal isn't to walk in knowing everything. It's to walk in ready to listen.
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Work with your campaign director to establish a reasonable ask: The right ask is personal, thoughtful, a bit of a challenge, but based on what you know - not a number pulled from thin air.
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Begin with prayer and conversation: This isn't just a transaction or item to be checked off a list. Take the time to connect as people and place the conversation in the context of your shared faith.
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Remember what this is about: You are not simply asking for money; you are inviting them to help strengthen the Church, advance its mission, and grow deeper in their own faith.
Perhaps that's why so many leaders who initially tell us they don't like asking for money eventually tell us they look forward to the visits. Because the most meaningful part isn't the ask - it's the relationship.
So, don't let fear or hesitation about asking for money prevent your parish, school, or diocese from addressing its temporal needs, advancing its mission, evangelizing its people, and creating opportunities for others to deepen their faith through giving.
The next time you find yourself thinking, “I don't want to ask someone for money,” remember: You're not asking for money. You're inviting someone to help build the future of the Church.
And that's a conversation worth having.
So is a conversation with us. If you are interested in learning more about our comprehensive feasibility study and capital campaign services, or would like to discuss your community's needs, complete our Contact Us Form or email info@lynchdevelopment.com. We will respond within 48 hours to provide a complimentary assessment of your capital potential.
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About Lynch Development Associates:
Lynch Development Associates (LDA) is a Catholic development firm that specializes in assisting dioceses, parishes, schools, and other entities with their development needs. For over three decades, our directors have partnered with clients to raise the necessary funds to construct and renovate buildings, fund new initiatives and research, and build new churches, parish centers, and schools. We have also been successful with annual appeals, debt reduction campaigns, stewardship initiatives, and the establishment of endowments in various communities nationwide. Our firm, having raised over 2 billion dollars, maintains a 98% success rate in meeting or exceeding our goals. Our directors are intimately involved in every aspect of your campaign, enabling us to give clarity to your vision and together, make your dreams a reality.
Annual Appeals, Feasibility Studies, Capital Campaigns, Major Gift Solicitations, Fundraising, Development, Endowment Campaigns, Prospect Research, Spanish Language Programs, Stewardship Initiatives, Offertory Programs, Planned Giving, Strategic Planning
PROUD SPONSOR OF THE ICSC
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