Advancing Our Church

Today’s Show

Data-driven communications plans will separate you from the competition. What are the benefits of a strong communications plan? What does a robust communications plan include? What does RPIE stand for and how does it play into the communications plan? All these questions and much more will be discussed on today’s show.

Today, Jim Friend talks with Jennifer Trefelner in the Diocese of Palm Beach. Jennifer brings over 16 years of Catholic education and Communications experience to this topic. Jennifer will discuss with us the four factors in choosing a Catholic School, the important pillars of your communications plan and where to begin with your marketing plan.

If you would like to download a template communications plan or learn more, feel free to reach out to Jennifer at [email protected]

Our Guest

Mrs. Jennifer M. Trefelner APR, CPRC is the Director of Communications, Marketing & Social Media for the Diocese of Palm Beach. In this role Jennifer coordinates communications for the Bishop as well as all marketing and social media efforts for the diocese. Jennifer has been with the Diocese of Palm Beach for the past 16 years. Prior to this position, Jennifer served as the Director of Institutional Advancement at John Carroll High School in Fort Pierce, Florida and as the Online Communications Consultant for the Office of Catholic Schools.  Jennifer possesses an Accreditation in Public Relations and is a Certified Public Relations Counselor.

Today’s show is part of our three-part series on Catholic Education. Join us next week as we’re joined by Steven Virgadamo in the Archdiocese of New York. Our topic next week is School Leadership. Please like and subscribe!

Catholic Education Experts

Join Changing Our World‘s Brian Crimmins and Matt Russell, the Chief Advancement and Business Development Officer for the National Catholic Educational (NCEA) as we consider the future of Catholic education in the United States. This presentation was originally delivered as a webinar in April 2019. The conversation was a continuation of a discussion that was first explored during the inaugural NCEA Elizabeth Ann Seton Philanthropy Symposium in Washington, D.C. during the fall of 2018.

Today’s Show

The discussion today will describe how leaders nationwide are paving the way for the future of Catholic Education. These transformative leaders are showing us the way forward, not in words but in action. These pioneers are collaborating to find solutions to our Catholic schools’ most urgent challenges. To view the full webinar, please visit Changing Our World’s website. You can also download the full NCEA Report.

Matt Russell started his career with NCEA in August 2012, as the associate director of secondary schools. Just a few months later NCEA promoted Matt to director in December 2012. Matt took over the role of director of institutional development in 2014. Before starting his career with NCEA, Matt served as the director of scholarships and secondary programs for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He also has served as a principal, head of school and a teacher. He holds a Master of Science in educational administration from St. Johns University and a Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University.

If you would like to hear more podcasts about Catholic Education, visit our Catholic Ed Podcast page and scroll down. If you’d like more information about Changing Our World’s extensive work in Catholic Education, please contact our host, Jim Friend.

What’s the Secret?

Parish Campaigns are a big undertaking and creating the right plan to raise significant dollars is critical. Join Changing Our World‘s expert consultants as they tackle some of the more common questions about campaigns.

* How do you prepare for a campaign?* Why is it important for a parish to conduct a Feasibility Study? * What is the impact on parish offertory?* What is the role of campaign volunteers?* How does it tie into Stewardship?* How have the dynamics of Parish Campaigns changed?* How do you help a pastor make the ask?

Our Guest Experts on Today’s Show

Thomas Farrell, Senior Managing Director: Tom Farrell’s tenure with our firm began in 2010. Over the past four decades, Tom’s work has focused primarily in the area of Catholic philanthropy. Since 1985 Tom has directed or given oversight to approximately 1,000 individual parish fundraising initiatives and to three dozen major diocesan development programs. These endeavors have taken place in a combined 100 archdioceses and dioceses and across 35 different states. Tom has also provided counsel on several Catholic education campaigns as well as appeals for other religious organizations.

Anna Vallez, Senior Director: Anna represents our faith-based division on the West Coast and in the mid-West. She joined the firm in November 2012 and continues to build on her successful, 25-year career in nonprofit leadership, developing fundraising capacity and strategies, and implementation of Capital Campaigns. She brings extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. She provides bilingual services and brings expertise working with culturally diverse communities for Changing Our World clients.

Yasmine Hicks, Director: Yasmine joined our firm as an intern in 2016. She has worked on several campaigns, including parish campaigns, raising millions for faith-based organizations. Yasmine is a graduate of the Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University.

We’re here to help

Changing Our World is successfully working with Catholic Parishes around the county to raise millions of dollars for local needs. These efforts are coupled with the fact that our process is tailored to meet the needs of organizations we serve. Learn how your parish could begin to develop a plan to address your needs.

Looking for more information about Parish Campaigns? Please contact Jim Friend for more information. 

About Today’s Show

How does a diocese become “Catholic Strong?” Can you engage stakeholders in this effort? Can you continue the campaign through the PA Grand Jury Report? Did it help that the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl? We will discuss all of these questions and more on today’s show.

Join Changing Our World‘s Shawn Trahan, and Jim Friend as they travel to the Diocese of Camden. Shawn and Jim talk with Rev. Robert E. Hughes, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia and Mariann Gilbride, Director of the Development for the Diocese of Camden. Together with diocesan partners, Shawn directed the campaign that led the team to success. Fr. Hughes and Mariann share their stories of success and new opportunities.

The Catholic Strong Campaign

In August 2017 the Diocese of Camden embarked upon the “Catholic Strong” Diocesan Capital Campaign. The campaign for Catholics in South Jersey successfully secured pledges totaling over $40 million. Gifts primarily benefited local parishes. Furthermore, 70% of the funds raised will support parish needs, and 30% will be allocated to various diocesan ministries. Bishop Sullivan’s focus has been to actively engage the laity and clergy. By doing so, it will promote the well being of the parishes and the diocese. 

This episode continues our discussion on successful diocesan capital campaigns. Are you looking for more information about Diocesan Campaigns? If you have any questions about today’s show, please contact Jim Friend. Additionally, check out “Getting Ready for a Diocesan Campaign.” so that you can learn more about what is needed for a successful campaign.

Advanced tactics for your Annual Fund

Increasing the Annual Fund requires creativity, focus and time out of the office. Engaging your donors in conversations about your school can create lasting relationships and leadership for your school’s Annual Giving program. Join Jim Friend for part two of his presentation to the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Green Bay. Jim discusses that making your Annual Fund soar requires a team approach, but Advancement Directors must have a plan in place to engage the Head of School, staff and volunteers to make this a reality.

Although this workshop is focused on Catholic Schools, many of the concepts discussed can be applied to any nonprofit setting. If you would like to download a PDF of this workshop, please click here.

A Little About Jim’s Catholic School Experience

The Faith in the Future Foundation created with a unique mission to impact Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Foundation recruited Jim Friend as its first Chief Development Officer in 2014. Jim led the growth of high school fundraising from $13.1 million to $25.1 million over five years. Simultaneously, he built a development program from the ground up. In his last year he raised over $5 million for a total impact of nearly $31 million for the schools.  

Questions that everyone asks…

In Diocesan Campaigns, Parishes and dioceses must work together in order to create a partnership that speaks to parishioners in the pew. In the midst of today’s Church climate, Catholic fundraising continues to raise millions around the country. Today, our expert consultants cover these popular questions and more.

* What is the role of the Bishop?* Why is a Feasibility Study important?* How do you get parishes excited about the campaign?* Can a diocesan campaign further leverage your team? * How do you determine a financial split between parishes and their diocese? * What is the impact on your Diocesan Appeal?

Furthermore, our conversation also delves into how understanding the culture of a parish and having flexibility creates an atmosphere of success for a campaign. We cover some of the dos and don’ts a diocese should consider when developing a capital campaign. We also discuss how a campaign consultant can help a pastor recruit volunteers for the campaign. Lastly, hear about how one diocese successfully dealt with the launch of the PA Grand Jury Report in the middle of a diocesan campaign.

Despite the current climate in our Church, Changing Our World is successfully working with Catholic Dioceses around the county to raise millions of dollars for local needs. These efforts are coupled with the fact that our process is building capacity into the organizations we serve. Learn how your diocese could begin to develop a plan to address your needs.

Our Panel of Experts

Join Changing Our World’s expert consultants, Thomas Farrell, Anna Vallez, Shawn Trahan and your host, Jim Friend for this thought provoking discussion. Click on the links of our consultants to learn more about their expertise.

Looking for more information about Diocesan Campaigns? Please contact Jim Friend for more information. Next week, learn how the Diocese of Camden created a pathway to success and raised over $40 Million in the middle of the PA Diocesan Grand Jury announcement.

About the Workshop

In this episode, Changing Our World’s, Jim Friend delivers a workshop to the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Jim begins by discussing the importance of telling your story as part of the Annual Fund. How we tell our story can have a huge impact on our donors. 

Jim continues the workshop describing the essential components of creating a compelling Annual Fund and discussing how to increase annual gifts every year. The Annual Fund is the heart of any development program. Getting donors in the habit of annual giving to your Catholic School creates a solid foundation. This can lead to future major gifts or planned giving programs.  Additionally, Jim covers these topics:

* Structuring your Annual Fund* Developing your donor database* Creating your Annual Fund Letter * Managing your gifts and thanking your donors

Although this workshop is focused on Catholic Schools, many of the concepts discussed can be applied to any nonprofit setting. If you would like to download a PDF of this workshop, please click here.

In part two of this podcast, we

will discuss some advanced tactics for increasing your annual fund results.

Part two of this workshop will be released very soon. Please subscribe to our

podcast to receive regular updates about new episodes.

A little about Jim’s Catholic School Experience:

Five years ago, Jim was recruited by the Faith in the Future Foundation as its first Chief Development Officer. In 2012, the Faith in the Future Foundation was created with a unique mission to assume operational responsibility for its 17 high schools and four schools of special education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. At Faith in the Future, Jim led the growth of high school fundraising from $13.1 million to $25.1 million. Simultaneously, he built a development program from the ground up. In his last year he raised over $5 million for a total impact of nearly $31 million for the schools. 

Feel free to contact Jim Friend with any questions or for more information about this presentation.

This week we focus on Catholic Stewardship and ways leaders can educate and engage the time, talent and resources of the faithful. Our guest is David Baranowski, the Director for Stewardship Education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Dave is a 30-year marketing executive who was recruited by the Archdiocese over seven years ago to develop educational and marketing materials to support the stewardship efforts of their 182 parishes. In David’s words “Our goal is to help more people get to Heaven.”

David Baranowski is a frequent speaker at the International Catholic Stewardship Conference. During our interview, David shares his unique conversion experience which sparked his change in career. In 2007, Baranowski attended a retreat where the director encouraged participants to listen to God’s guidance — something he said he hadn’t earnestly done before. The experience convinced him to deepen his faith and focus on Christ.

While praying about God’s gifts in his life, “this wave of

gratitude rushed over me,” Baranowski said. “It was at that moment that I

decided that I wanted to get to heaven, and I want to take as many people with

me as possible. My priorities had to change. I had to put God first in

everything I did, and I had to put complete trust in God.”

This episode focuses on how we look at parish Stewardship and how we should consider challenging some of the traditional ways in which we describe it for others. For example, instead of referring to “time, talent and treasure,” Dave uses the terms “prayer, participation and generosity.”  Dave hopes to use more accessible language that parishioners can understand. If you have any questions for Dave, click here to send him an email or call him at 314-792-7215.

We hope you find this discussion beneficial. We encourage you to like, share and comment on this episode and we hope it will inspire your parish Stewardship Committees to advance the mission of our Church in the coming program year.

If you have any other questions about Catholic Stewardship, we encourage you contact Jim Friend, Managing Director at Changing Our World.

Creating your case for support is a key element for any nonprofit organization seeking to raise funds for an annual appeal, capital campaign, major gifts program or any key initiative. Join Changing Our World Consultants Colleen Burdick, Kaitlin McTighe, Ray Witkowski and our host, Jim Friend, for a discussion about the who, what and why of creating a compelling Case for Support. Hear real life examples, the do’s and the don’ts, and about how engaging your donors in a conversation about your case will rally further support.

Reviewing and refining your Case for support each year is an

important exercise. Our consultants also consider how you should look at your

Case as a living document. It is an opportunity to show your donors progress

and to use that progress to leverage giving. Involving your donors in the

development of your Case for Support shows them that they have input on your

mission and that they can help you make a difference.

If you have questions about today’s conversation, please feel free to email Colleen Burdick, Kaitlin McTighe, Ray Witkowski or Jim Friend. What to contribute to the conversation? Leave a comment below.

Making an impact on a Diocesan Development program takes time and expertise. How can spending more time out of the office help build a development strategy? What relationships should Diocesan and parish development officers cultivate? How can technology assist in development? This week, Jim is joined by Scott Whitaker from the Diocese of Austin to discuss these questions and much more.

Additionally, Jim chats with Diana Curran, Senior Director for Changing Our World. Diana shares her background in educational advancement and the work she’s doing in the Diocese of Albany. We also learn about her 120-mile adventure in through Zion’s National Park in Utah. Diana was recently named a CASE D1 Faculty All-Star, has received awards for: creating innovative stewardship and fundraising programs as well as for her leadership. She speaks at conferences on many topics including: stewardship; fundraising; generation giving preferences and habits; negotiation; and women’s leadership. 

Scott Whitaker joined the Diocese of Austin in 2003 and presently serves as the Secretariat Director for Stewardship, Development and Communications and Executive Director for the Catholic Foundation – Diocese of Austin. He oversees all areas of stewardship and development in the diocese. Scott’s areas of focus are supporting parishes and schools in conducting capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and endowment management. Scott is an active volunteer at his parish, St. Vincent de Paul, and his children’s schools.

Scott is a current board member for the Association of Former Yell Leaders at Texas A&M University, and he previously served on the International Catholic Stewardship Council Board of Directors and Hand to Hold, a non-profit that serves families enduring infant prematurity or loss. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and loves Aggie football. He and his wife, Kathryn, have six children, all of whom attend Catholic schools in the diocese. If you have questions for Scott, he encourages you to contact him at (512) 949-2441, [email protected]

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