Workshop: The Challenges of Ministry and Mission for Catholic Fundraisers

Description

Approved for 1.5 CFRE credits.

Challenges are inherent in all fundraising, but never in our history have we experienced so many obstacles simultaneously, particularly in the arena of Catholic fundraising. Church scandals, fiscal mismanagement, and—owing to the COVID pandemic—the urgent move to all things “virtual,” have created a new and sometimes rocky landscape for fundraisers to navigate. Add to this the decreasing number of vowed religious serving in fundraising positions or even as supports to lay colleagues directing fundraising efforts and it can be hard to know where to begin. Qualified lay professionals who assume this work face a difficult task: they must present the same passion for mission as religious while also delivering a compelling case for support. A challenging task, to be sure. 

Join us for this interactive workshop to learn from leaders and to network with your community. We will begin with a presentation on the changing fundraising landscape and then will work together to explore ideas and best practices in support of preserving and promoting our rich tradition of mission and service. 

This workshop will be led by Sister Susan Durkin, OSU.

Sister Susan Durkin, a 30-year member of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, brings insight and experience honed in years of fundraising, including 7 years of service as her congregation’s development director and eight years as its congregational president. Under her leadership, the development staff initiated several changes including expanding professional staff; crafting successful rebranding, marketing, and fundraising campaigns to support operations and endowments; updated infrastructure; and established broader congregational engagement; all of which helped to meet or exceed yearly funding goals. As Director of Development and as Congregational President, she played a key role in the successful capital campaign for the construction of Merici Crossings, the Ursulines’ new congregational residence and center. 

Sister Susan holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education from Ursuline College, a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Mount St. Joseph University, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University. In Cleveland, Sister Susan serves on the boards of Urban Community School and the Sisters of Charity Health System. She is a member of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine Public Juridic Person Board. Nationally, she serves on the board of The Resource Center for Religious Institutes (RCRI).

Thank you to American City Bureau for sponsoring this workshop.