The Worst Catholic Fundraising Advice We’ve Ever Heard (and What to Do Instead)

If you have been in fundraising for any length of time, you’ve probably received some advice that made you stop and think, “There is no way that actually works.” 

Sometimes this advice comes from well-meaning friends, board members, or even other nonprofit leaders. The problem is that bad Catholic fundraising advice, if followed, can derail your campaigns, confuse your supporters, and slow down your mission.

At Petrus Development, we work with Catholic nonprofits every day who are trying to sort out the good from the bad when it comes to building sustainable fundraising programs. To save you time and frustration, we’ve gathered the worst Catholic fundraising advice we’ve heard, and we’ll share what actually works instead.

1. “You don’t need to ask for money face-to-face. If people like your organization, they will give without being asked.”

This is one of the most common myths in Catholic fundraising, and it sounds appealing because it feels easier. Unfortunately, it is not true.

Yes, some donors will give online or through the offertory without being asked directly, but very few give at their full capacity unless they are invited in person. For example, a family might give $100 through an annual appeal, but when a major gift officer meets them face-to-face and shares the vision for a Catholic school expansion, they joyfully pledge an annual $10,000 gift.

It may sound far-fetched, but that is a real example from one of our consultants.

Personal visits are where transformational gifts happen. Fundraising is about relationships, and relationships grow stronger when we sit across from someone, share the mission, and invite them to be part of it.

2. “More than one appeal letter a year is too much, it will annoy donors.”

This advice keeps many Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries from reaching their full potential. The truth is that donors want to hear from organizations they love, and consistent communication actually builds loyalty.

A campus ministry that sends one annual fundraising appeal may struggle to grow its donor base. In contrast, another ministry that communicates four to six times a year with letters, emails, and updates will raise more and retain more donors.

Donors are not annoyed by thoughtful, mission-centered appeals. They simply respond when the timing and the message connect with them. If your Catholic nonprofit only sends one appeal letter a year, you are leaving generosity on the table.

3. “If a donor says no once, don’t bother asking them again.”

One of the most dangerous myths in Catholic fundraising is the idea that a no is final. In reality, most no’s mean “not right now.”

There is a saying in fundraising that “No is just a slow yes.” It sounds too good to be true, but if you stick with fundraising long enough you will see it play out over and over again.

Consider a Catholic school that asked an alumna for a significant capital campaign gift. She declined because she was already supporting a parish renovation project. The next year, with her parish commitment fulfilled, she happily gave to the school.

If the school had taken her “no” as permanent, they would have lost a major gift and perhaps even a long-term partner. The lesson: say thank you, keep building the relationship, and ask again when the time is right.

4. “Fundraising through events is the only way to raise money.”

Events can be fun, energizing, and even inspiring. But they are not the strongest strategy for Catholic nonprofit fundraising.

We often see parishes, schools, and apostolates pour months of staff time into galas, auctions, or festivals, only to net a modest amount after expenses. Meanwhile, the same energy invested in personal solicitations could have secured larger and more sustainable gifts.

That does not mean you should abandon events. They have value as cultivation opportunities. A Catholic school auction or parish dinner can introduce new people to your mission and create energy around your work. 

But events should complement your fundraising strategy, not define it. If your organization does not have a tradition of a big event, do not add one until your staff is large enough to absorb the huge time commitment.

5. “Focus on grants. It’s free money and you don’t have to have awkward conversations to get it.”

Grants are helpful, but they are not free money and they are not a replacement for building donor relationships.

Grants are competitive, often restricted to narrow purposes, and unreliable over the long term. We have seen Catholic nonprofits rely on a single foundation grant, only to face financial crisis when the foundation shifted its priorities.

The most sustainable Catholic fundraising strategy is a strong individual donor program, built on face-to-face asks, consistent appeals, and meaningful stewardship. Grants should be the icing on the cake, not the foundation of your budget.

Fundraising Built on Truth, Not Myths

Bad Catholic fundraising advice usually sounds attractive because it promises an easier path. But easy rarely leads to long-term sustainability.

The truth is that Catholic nonprofits thrive when they focus on what really works:

• Building relationships through personal invitations
  
  
• Communicating consistently with donors throughout the year
  
  
• Respecting that “no” often means “not yet”
  
  
• Using events strategically, not as the only strategy
  
  
• Treating grants as a supplement, not the core of funding
  
  

At Petrus Development, we believe that Catholic fundraising should always be about connecting people of faith with a mission worth supporting. When you prioritize relationships, consistency, and intentional strategy, your organization will be equipped to grow for the long haul.

Frequently Asked Questions about Catholic Fundraising

What is the best fundraising strategy for Catholic nonprofits?
The strongest strategy is building a base of individual donors through consistent communication, face-to-face asks, and intentional stewardship.

Should Catholic organizations rely on fundraising events?
Events are helpful for cultivation, but they should not be your primary strategy. Sustainable fundraising comes from relationships and personal solicitations.

Are grants a good source of Catholic fundraising income?
Yes, but only as a complement. Grants can disappear quickly. A strong individual donor program provides stability.

Ready to Build a Stronger Catholic Fundraising Program?

If your Catholic nonprofit has been following some of this bad advice, now is the time to pivot to strategies that actually work.

If you want to take your Catholic fundraising to the next level, consider joining the BOAT (Building Outstanding Advancement Teams) program. 

BOAT is Petrus Development’s signature training experience for Catholic fundraisers who want to build sustainable, mission-driven development programs with confidence. 

The Fall 2025 session begins this October, and prices increase as the start date approaches. You can find full details and registration information at petrusdevelopment.com/boat