Nobody knows how to fundraise when they start.

Even I was naive during my first campaigns!

We all start in the same spot – zero knowledge and zero experience.

Just like with any activity, you have to learn along the way. Today, I want to share three essential fundraising skills that I think every Catholic apostolate should know.

Whether you are starting to raise funds or looking for some new ideas, you should know these three skills:

Check it out:

If you are starting your apostolate and wanting to fundraise, I have some advice.

Also, if you want a refresher of what to focus on, I think you will enjoy these words of wisdom.

Check it out:

Have you ever wondered why people might be reluctant to donate?

If you’ve ever had people reluctant to donate to your Catholic apostolate, then keep reading.

Asking for donations, as you can imagine, can be tricky. You spend all this time, energy, and effort fundraising, but instead of receiving financial support, you get crickets.

Why the silence?!?

Why were people so reluctant to donate?

This week, I dive into the reasons why people are so hesitant to donate to your apostolate. Check it out:

When it comes to asking for $, where is the sweet spot?

Some people like to use the “soft ask” – meaning you ask indirectly. For example, the donate button on your website or at the bottom of an email. It could also be a sentence somewhere in a mailer.

Other people like to use the “hard ask” – meaning you ask point-blank.

A common fear is that you will turn people off if you use the “hard ask.”

At the same time, if you use the “soft ask,” potential donors may not SEE your request… and you will lose donations.

So what’s the solution?

I learned early in my fundraising career that knowing which ask to use is essential. There’s a subtle difference between the two asks that every Catholic apostolate should understand. Let me explain:

Often, we think that we cannot fundraise alone. 

It is wise to look to others for help.

With any campaign you launch, you will have to get people to help you. That is why you might turn to volunteers.

However, there are significant risks to getting people to help you fundraise. Therefore, is using volunteers prudent?

I want to share my thoughts with you: