RAISE MORE THAN FUNDS
Church Development capital campaigns soar past fundraising goals, lift annual giving, and elevate the community experience for every member.
STEWARDSHIP-BASED CHURCH CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
Church Development expertly manages capital campaigns to ignite a vibrant culture of stewardship, raising more than funds by weaving community-building strategies and prayerful discernment into a spirit of giving. With research-based best practices, we uplift and strengthen faith communities to new heights!
33 YEARS
Wisdom from fundraising best practices, failures, and success over many decades.
$1 BILLION+
Our approach has worked in churches of all sizes and denominations across the US.
250%-400%
On average we raise multiple times annual giving through using research-based practices.
“Our previous debt relief capital campaign consultant raised $2M, Church Development raised $3.5M, with the same case.”
“Without Church Development we only raised $300,000. With Church Development we tripled that, raising $900,000.“
St. Ann’s Catholic Church
Prairie Village, KS
700% Annual Giving Raised
St. Ann’s parish had a thriving 450-student school and a church community. However, many parish members had been a part of the church since it was built. So, the church made plans to update the parish that would benefit the old and young. But, community members of all ages would have to unite for a successful capital campaign. Coached by Church Development, St. Ann’s met its large fundraising goal and increased parish unity.
OUR PRAYERFUL DISCERNMENT AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING APPROACH
Building Community
First, effective campaigns build community. And a strong community is a giving community. Campaigns are times of spiritual opportunity. A community grows closer. They gather around a common purpose. Furthermore, campaigns are times when parishioners take ownership of their parish's mission and vision. Our campaign teams work with parish leadership and members to build trust.
Praying, Not Pushing
Finally, we respect that each family is in a unique place financially and spiritually. Our approach to stewardship teaches discernment and trust in God’s blessings already in our lives. We see this as helpful for individuals as well as for the parish. For that reason, our asking approach is based on prayer, Ignatian discernment, and invitation, and never on pressure or fear.
Meeting Your Unique Needs
Each parish is different in its character, culture, and goals. Doesn't it make sense to have a capital campaign that is as unique as your parish? Church Development campaigns are tailored to each church. Therefore, we are more effective than firms that conduct one-size-fits-all campaigns. We work tirelessly to honor the unique vision God has for your church. Finally, we build off your unique strengths to facilitate a successful campaign.
Growing a Culture of Giving
Additionally, we emphasize parishioner engagement in campaigns and teach a spirituality of stewardship. Consequently, we often see increases in annual giving. Volunteerism also increases in the twelve months after a Commitment Sunday. Through prayer, discernment, and community building, our capital campaigns create a culture of generosity in the churches we serve.
Providing Options
Church Development gives you options to select the support you need based on your time and financial resources. Our two-tiered pricing structure gives you options to decide your priorities. When hiring a fundraising consultant, pay for what you need and no more. Our comprehensive service is active management all the details. Coaching service provides the confidence of having a professional strategy.
Guiding and Supporting
Moreover, Church Development provides guidance to support you throughout your whole capital campaign. We deal with any challenges that surface. Celebrating success, we also keep excitement high after the pledge phase. And provide resources for ongoing stewardship staff and volunteers. With a Church Development stewardship consultant, you don't have to figure things out alone.
“For us to raise over 600% of annual giving in our capital campaign, in the face of an economic crisis, was truly astounding. Thank you for the help!“
“Church Development worked hard at tailoring the campaign to our unique needs. Our previous consultants helped us raise 1.1x annual giving. In contrast, Church Development helped us raise 1.5x annual giving.“
“Through our capital campaign, church members’ lives were transformed. So now, our annual giving, volunteerism and attendance have all increased.”
Church Development’s proven best practices ensure you maximize your fundraising potential, helping you avoid falling short of what’s possible.
We’re proud of our work using best practices of fundraising. Our success is seen in over 300 churches over the past 30 years. Importantly, all church leaders agree that professional consultants raise more than DIY church campaigns.
What we Do
Church Capital Campaigns & Church Feasibility Studies
Church Development Capital Campaigns
We custom build our capital campaign plans. And we stick with you for 3 years following your campaign. We guide you to develop robust legacy giving and sustainable annual offertory programs. Our flexible service levels give you freedom. Choose the right amount of support.
Church Development Feasibility Studies
A feasibility study gives you a deep understanding of your church community. Importantly, it measures the financial support for an upcoming capital campaign. In addition, a feasibility study provides feedback that affirms your strengths. It also identifies areas to improve.
Resources, Checklists & Guides
Grow Church Giving Without Fundraising
Church Capital Campaign eBook
Your guide to planning for and running a church capital campaign. And doing it from a stewardship mindset.
Stewardship Strategic Guide
In this strategic plan guide and checklist, we lay out for you the steps to build a culture of generosity at your church.