Fundraising TLC: Unleashing Generosity

In the second part of our conversation with Michael Vanderburgh, we examine the elements of effective fundraising, including refining your mission, connecting your initiatives to donors' passions, and leading with gratitude.

ABOUT MICHAEL VANDERBURGH

Michael Vanderburgh is Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dayton, Ohio. Since 1999, Michael has engaged in nonprofit leadership in financial development and executive positions in Iowa, Kentucky, and Ohio. Michael is a graduate of The George Washington University (M.A., Political Management), Wright State University (B.A., Urban Affairs), and Sinclair Community College (A.A.S., Law Enforcement), and attended law school at Ohio Northern University and the University of Dayton.

Over a decade of service for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Michael planned and led the historic One Faith, One Hope, One Love capital campaign, which raised over $165 million in pledges to benefit regional ministries of the Catholic Church in western and southwestern Ohio. In 2017 a feature article about Michael’s life appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer, and the story received a first-place award by The Press Club of Cleveland. Michael is chair of the disaster operations committee for Disaster Services Corporation - Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, a board member of Franciscan Media, and a member of the child protection review board for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Michael resides in Oakwood, Ohio with his wife Ann Marie and four children.

Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvanderburgh/

Learn more about St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dayton, Ohio: https://stvincentdayton.org/

In part 1 of our conversation with Michael Vanderburgh, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dayton, Ohio, we dig into the weight of volunteerism and how giving to Catholic organizations connects people to their passions and faith.

ABOUT MICHAEL VANDERBURGH

Michael Vanderburgh is Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dayton, Ohio. Since 1999, Michael has engaged in nonprofit leadership in financial development and executive positions in Iowa, Kentucky, and Ohio. Michael is a graduate of The George Washington University (M.A., Political Management), Wright State University (B.A., Urban Affairs), and Sinclair Community College (A.A.S., Law Enforcement), and attended law school at Ohio Northern University and the University of Dayton.

Over a decade of service for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Michael planned and led the historic One Faith, One Hope, One Love capital campaign, which raised over $165 million in pledges to benefit regional ministries of the Catholic Church in western and southwestern Ohio. In 2017 a feature article about Michael’s life appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer, and the story received a first-place award by The Press Club of Cleveland. Michael is chair of the disaster operations committee for Disaster Services Corporation - Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, a board member of Franciscan Media, and a member of the child protection review board for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Michael resides in Oakwood, Ohio with his wife Ann Marie and four children.

Connect with Michael: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvanderburgh/⁠

Learn more about St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dayton, Ohio: ⁠https://stvincentdayton.org/

In part 2 of our conversation with Reverend Monsignor David LiPuma and David Kersten, we continue discussing Father Baker’s work, how he planted the seeds for strong fundraising, and ways OLV has evolved to foster continued support of its mission.

ABOUT REVEREND MONSIGNOR DAVID LIPUMA 

Reverend Monsignor David LiPuma is the Pastor and Rector at OLV National Shrine & Basilica. A Lancaster, New York native, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1987 by the late Bishop Edward Head.

He served as parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great in Amherst, and later at St. Philip the Apostle in Cheektowaga. In 1993, Msgr. LiPuma was named acting director of the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Buffalo, a post he held until Bishop Henry J. Mansell appointed him as his priest secretary. He continued in that role under former Bishop Edward Kmiec, who retired in 2012 and under Bishop Richard Malone until 2013. In 2013, Msgr. LiPuma was named pastor of St. Peter's in Lewiston.

A graduate of Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, New York, Msgr. LiPuma went on to study in Rome, Italy, at the Pontifical North American College where he received his theology degree from the Gregorian University in Rome.

ABOUT DAVID KERSTEN 

Kersten is the public face of the organization and responsible for the fundraising efforts of OLV Charities, which involve multiple channels, such as direct mail solicitations, fundraising events, planned gifts, charitable gift annuities, and other giving vehicles. He also oversees a full range of strategic and operational activities for OLV Charities, which include but are not limited to support service growth / retention, fiduciary oversight, and policy implementation.

Previously, Kersten served as Vice President of Development for Catholic Health System. He also functioned as President of ParishPay, Inc. in New York City and as Executive Director of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.

Kersten received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Niagara University. He also received a Bachelor’s of Sacred Theology from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and a Master’s of Ecumenical Studies from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Additionally, Kersten received an MBA in Church Business Administration from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana.

Learn more about OLV: ⁠https://www.olvcharities.org/⁠

In part 1 of our two-part conversation with OLV, we speak with Reverend Monsignor David LiPuma, Pastor and Rector at OLV National Shrine & Basilica and

ABOUT REVEREND MONSIGNOR DAVID LIPUMA 

Reverend Monsignor David LiPuma is the Pastor and Rector at OLV National Shrine & Basilica. A Lancaster, New York native, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1987 by the late Bishop Edward Head.

He served as parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great in Amherst, and later at St. Philip the Apostle in Cheektowaga. In 1993, Msgr. LiPuma was named acting director of the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Buffalo, a post he held until Bishop Henry J. Mansell appointed him as his priest secretary. He continued in that role under former Bishop Edward Kmiec, who retired in 2012 and under Bishop Richard Malone until 2013. In 2013, Msgr. LiPuma was named pastor of St. Peter's in Lewiston.

A graduate of Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, New York, Msgr. LiPuma went on to study in Rome, Italy, at the Pontifical North American College where he received his theology degree from the Gregorian University in Rome.

ABOUT DAVID KERSTEN 

Kersten is the public face of the organization and responsible for the fundraising efforts of OLV Charities, which involve multiple channels, such as direct mail solicitations, fundraising events, planned gifts, charitable gift annuities, and other giving vehicles. He also oversees a full range of strategic and operational activities for OLV Charities, which include but are not limited to support service growth / retention, fiduciary oversight, and policy implementation.

Previously, Kersten served as Vice President of Development for Catholic Health System. He also functioned as President of ParishPay, Inc. in New York City and as Executive Director of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.

Kersten received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Niagara University. He also received a Bachelor’s of Sacred Theology from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and a Master’s of Ecumenical Studies from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Additionally, Kersten received an MBA in Church Business Administration from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana.

Learn more about OLV: https://www.olvcharities.org/

In part 2 of our conversation with Sheila McGirl, we explore how to create a culture of philanthropy and the significance of storytelling.

ABOUT SHEILA MCGIRL

Sheila O’Hagan McGirl has been involved in philanthropy for most of her life. She comes from a family of dedicated servant leaders from Brooklyn, New York. Sheila was recognized by the Irish American Building Society and the Diocese of Brooklyn as the 2018 Woman of the Year at the Great Irish Fair of New York. Sheila’s family managed and supported this major fundraiser for diocesan ministries for decades.

After attending a program for Court Stenography and working as a freelance court stenographer for many years, Sheila became a stay-at-home mom for thirteen years. During that time, she was a dedicated volunteer, assisting parishes and community programs with fundraising efforts through events.

When Sheila’s husband became ill with Multiple Sclerosis, Sheila had to reengage with the workforce. During this challenging time, she turned to Church, as many of us do, and her journey working in ministry and, ultimately, development began.

Sheila comes to the Diocese of Wilmington from the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia, where she was Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. Before that, she served the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, as Associate Director of Development. She held various positions at the Diocese of Camden, including the Catholic Star Herald newspaper, Family Life and Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry offices.

She holds degrees in Liberal Studies from Gloucester County College and Business Administration from Rowan University. She founded the Catholic Business Network of South Jersey to provide fellowship and development to those pursuing the union of faith and industry.

Sheila is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Planned Giving Association, International Catholic Stewardship Conference, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and New Jersey Irish Society. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

She currently resides in South Jersey and enjoys spending time with her four children.

Connect with Sheila: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-mcgirl-cfre-670256a/

In the first part 1 of our conversation with Sheila McGirl, Director of Development at the Diocese of Wilmington, we examine donor engagement trends, ways to connect with the next generation, and the value of leading with faith.

ABOUT SHEILA MCGIRL

Sheila O’Hagan McGirl has been involved in philanthropy for most of her life. She comes from a family of dedicated servant leaders from Brooklyn, New York. Sheila was recognized by the Irish American Building Society and the Diocese of Brooklyn as the 2018 Woman of the Year at the Great Irish Fair of New York. Sheila’s family managed and supported this major fundraiser for diocesan ministries for decades.

After attending a program for Court Stenography and working as a freelance court stenographer for many years, Sheila became a stay-at-home mom for thirteen years. During that time, she was a dedicated volunteer, assisting parishes and community programs with fundraising efforts through events.

When Sheila’s husband became ill with Multiple Sclerosis, Sheila had to reengage with the workforce. During this challenging time, she turned to Church, as many of us do, and her journey working in ministry and, ultimately, development began.

Sheila comes to the Diocese of Wilmington from the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia, where she was Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. Before that, she served the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, as Associate Director of Development. She held various positions at the Diocese of Camden, including the Catholic Star Herald newspaper, Family Life and Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry offices.

She holds degrees in Liberal Studies from Gloucester County College and Business Administration from Rowan University. She founded the Catholic Business Network of South Jersey to provide fellowship and development to those pursuing the union of faith and industry.

Sheila is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Planned Giving Association, International Catholic Stewardship Conference, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and New Jersey Irish Society. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

She currently resides in South Jersey and enjoys spending time with her four children.

Connect with Sheila: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-mcgirl-cfre-670256a/

In part 2 of our conversation with Lisa Rowan, we unpack the important role perseverance plays in fundraising and how organizations can build strong donor relationships through their direct response campaigns.

ABOUT LISA ROWAN

Lisa is the principal of Rowan Consulting, LLC.  She has over 25+ years of successful fundraising, sales and marketing experience. Her clients have included prominent non-profits such as, Museum of the Bible, Cross Catholic Outreach, Faith and Freedom Coalition, Answers in Genesis, and numerous other organizations that serve causes close to her heart. She is a founding and current advisory board member for Museum of the Bible’s Catholic Advisory Board and also serves on the advisory boards for The National Shroud of Turin Exhibit and Curating for Him.

Lisa received her BA in Communications and Public Address from the University of Wisconsin. Throughout her career, Lisa has been recognized by her customers and peers as someone who has high expectations, a drive for excellence and a commitment to achieving outstanding results.

Lisa resides in Mount Airy, MD with her husband and two large lap dogs. She and her husband have three grown children. She loves being outside, biking, tennis, reading, vacations and spending time with her family and friends.

Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-rowan-b4876224/

In part 1 of our conversation with Lisa Rowan, Principal at Rowan Consulting, we discuss the impact of rewarding work, driving forces behind donor generosity, and key components to successful fundraising.

ABOUT LISA ROWAN

Lisa is the principal of Rowan Consulting, LLC.  She has over 25+ years of successful fundraising, sales and marketing experience. Her clients have included prominent non-profits such as, Museum of the Bible, Cross Catholic Outreach, Faith and Freedom Coalition, Answers in Genesis, and numerous other organizations that serve causes close to her heart. She is a founding and current advisory board member for Museum of the Bible’s Catholic Advisory Board and also serves on the advisory boards for The National Shroud of Turin Exhibit and Curating for Him.

Lisa received her BA in Communications and Public Address from the University of Wisconsin. Throughout her career, Lisa has been recognized by her customers and peers as someone who has high expectations, a drive for excellence and a commitment to achieving outstanding results.

Lisa resides in Mount Airy, MD with her husband and two large lap dogs. She and her husband have three grown children. She loves being outside, biking, tennis, reading, vacations and spending time with her family and friends.

Connect with Lisa: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-rowan-b4876224/

In the second part of our conversation with John Knowles, John details some ways to secure major gifts and shares advice for those

ABOUT JOHN KNOWLES

John Matthew Knowles is the Executive Director of the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference, or DFMC. He leads the international membership

For most of his career prior to DFMC, Mr. Knowles worked as a divisional director and managing strategist within the Ave Maria Foundation family of non-profit institutions, all founded by the renowned Catholic philanthropist and former Domino’s Pizza Chairman, Tom Monaghan. Mr. Knowles served as the first Director of Development and External Affairs at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida and later Legatus Director for the Northeast and International, based in metropolitan New York City. In each of these roles, he drove record-setting business development outcomes, and served on the four-person global strategic leadership committees for each organization. For six years, Mr. Knowles held the Chairmanship of the Legatus Gala in New York City, an annual tradition of great interest for the metropolitan Catholic community tracing its roots to the mid-1990s. Mr. Knowles managed the stage program and production team for the Legatus Summit, that organization’s global conference.

Alongside his leadership of DFMC, Mr. Knowles is a sought-after board member, strategic advisor, and consultant. He is President of the New York City-based Catholic Finance Association, or CFA, which is the membership organization for Catholic financial services professionals, broadly defined. He

Mr. Knowles holds a B.A. in International Relations and Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University; a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University; and a Fellowship Certificate in Leadership from Michigan State University. His professional and philanthropic achievements in Florida earned him recognition from Gulfshore Business Magazine as a 2011 “40 Under 40” Award honoree. His memberships include Legatus (Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Chapter), the Union League of Philadelphia, The Steel Club of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the Knights of Columbus. In 2009, he married Jennifer Knowles, the couple are blessed with two children, and are parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Buckingham and Saint Isadore in Quakertown, both in Pennsylvania. They live in a 300-year-old small town between Philadelphia and New Jersey in a rural area surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil scenery, where Faith and Family are what matters most to everyone around.

Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyknowles/

Learn more about DFMC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diocesan-fiscal-management-conference/

In part 1 of our conversation with John Knowles, Executive Director of the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference, we dig deep on family, faith, and the various challenges facing the Catholic Church, from divisive views to the economy to cultural trends.

ABOUT JOHN KNOWLES

John Matthew Knowles is the Executive Director of the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference, or DFMC. He leads the international membership organization for Diocesan Financial Officers and other executives holding high-level financial management responsibility serving dioceses of the Catholic Church throughout North America and beyond. DFMC membership has grown over 5% since his appointment, and the 2022 Conference in Washington, D.C. surpassed all historic benchmarks for membership and external support.

For most of his career prior to DFMC, Mr. Knowles worked as a divisional director and managing strategist within the Ave Maria Foundation family of non-profit institutions, all founded by the renowned Catholic philanthropist and former Domino’s Pizza Chairman, Tom Monaghan. Mr. Knowles served as the first Director of Development and External Affairs at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida and later Legatus Director for the Northeast and International, based in metropolitan New York City. In each of these roles, he drove record-setting business development outcomes, and served on the four-person global strategic leadership committees for each organization. For six years, Mr. Knowles held the Chairmanship of the Legatus Gala in New York City, an annual tradition of great interest for the metropolitan Catholic community tracing its roots to the mid-1990s. Mr. Knowles managed the stage program and production team for the Legatus Summit, that organization’s global conference.

Alongside his leadership of DFMC, Mr. Knowles is a sought-after board member, strategic advisor, and consultant. He is President of the New York City-based Catholic Finance Association, or CFA, which is the membership organization for Catholic financial services professionals, broadly defined. He is the co-founder and current board Treasurer of Catholics At The Shore, an annual upscale conference retreat held each Spring in Stone Harbor, New Jersey; and is a governing board member for Array of Hope, a New Jersey-based multimedia firm. Mr. Knowles advises the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI), Aquinas Wealth Advisors, and provides informal personal counsel to many prominent Catholic lay leaders across America. He is the executive producer and host of the “Faith and Finance Forum” interview program, which is available bi-weekly on YouTube and in podcast format on all major platforms. Mr. Knowles is active in real estate/property management and independent investing, which round out his diverse professional pursuits.

Mr. Knowles holds a B.A. in International Relations and Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University; a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University; and a Fellowship Certificate in Leadership from Michigan State University. His professional and philanthropic achievements in Florida earned him recognition from Gulfshore Business Magazine as a 2011 “40 Under 40” Award honoree. His memberships include Legatus (Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Chapter), the Union League of Philadelphia, The Steel Club of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the Knights of Columbus. In 2009, he married Jennifer Knowles, the couple are blessed with two children, and are parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Buckingham and Saint Isadore in Quakertown, both in Pennsylvania. They live in a 300-year-old small town between Philadelphia and New Jersey in a rural area surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil scenery, where Faith and Family are what matters most to everyone around.

Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyknowles/

Learn more about DFMC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diocesan-fiscal-management-conference/