Rekindling Relationships: Catholic Fundraising Strategies for Priests and Parish Leaders

“Charity is infectious, it excites, it risks, and it engages! For true charity is always unmerited, unconditional and gratuitous!”
— Pope Francis

Parishioners remain the lifeblood of every Catholic parish, sustaining ministries and building Christ-centered community. Yet, even the most vibrant parishes face the challenge of lapsed donors—supporters who slip away quietly.

For priests and lay leaders alike, rekindling these relationships is a deeply spiritual and practical journey. Here’s how you can work together to reengage those who once supported your mission.

1. See Fundraising as Part of Your Ministry

Pope Francis reminds us that authentic charity goes beyond obligation and becomes an energetic, generous encounter—transforming both the giver and the parish. Priests and laity should view donor engagement as a sacred work, inviting parishioners into the joy of supporting God’s mission through selfless acts of love.

I can almost hear the deep sighs. “We know Susan but who has the time? There are only so many hours in the day!”

2. Collaborate as One Parish Family

You aren’t in this alone. Pool human resources. There is indeed strength in numbers.

  • Priests bring relational presence and spiritual strength.

  • Lay leaders offer creativity, energy, and personal networks.

  • Identify lapsed donors together, blend pastoral outreach with practical follow-up, and affirm each unique journey.

3. Lead With Listening and Relationship

  • Host joint listening sessions and informal gatherings for lapsed donors—root outreach in care, not requests. It is tempting to ask at every opportunity but resist the urge.

  • Personalize calls and notes, always asking: “How can we serve you better as a parish community?”

4. Highlight Mission Impact

  • Share inspiring stories in homilies, parish bulletins, and thank-you messages. Very short videos are extremely effective and you don’t need to be a cinematographer to film a meaningful and personalized thank you on your phone.

  • Celebrate generosity and spiritual fruit, reaffirming every donor’s importance to parish life.

5. Offer Many Ways Back

  • Create multiple opportunities for involvement: parish dinners, service days, prayer groups, and more.

  • Recognize that gifts of time, prayer, and presence are as meaningful as renewed financial support.

6. Personalize and Pray (You are already doing this!)

  • Segment outreach based on donors’ histories and interests.

  • Send handwritten cards for anniversaries, sacraments, and in times of need, always letting parishioners know they are being prayed for by name.

  • Infuse all efforts with genuine prayer and concern.

7. Persevere With Humility

Not all lapsed donors will return, but every invitation is a seed planted for Christ. Priests and lay leaders, remain humble—each step is an act of love, trusting in God’s timing for harvest.

Parish fundraising flourishes when priests and parishioners work in harmony, focused on welcome, hope, and hospitality. Lead with love, share the joy, and together you will see your community—and your donors—respond with generosity again and again.

Susan Madon