Wednesday, November 18, 2009

My favorite case letter of the season.

This letter inspired by the words of our client-the pastor at Saint Francis-but credit for the writing belongs to Harry Colin of the Cunneen team.

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish is blessed in so many ways! We are an active, vibrant parish that accepts with great eagerness Christ's call to evangelization. We center our worship on the Eucharistic Liturgy and from this wellspring all of our ministries flow. It is sometimes instructive for all of us to review just how far and in what directions our outreach extends, so permit me to briefly review just some of the highlights of our parish life and to discuss some exciting plans for our future.

Our celebrations of the liturgy are infused with energy, passion and prayerfulness. Our music ministry is superb and in the words of Saint Augustine, “ one who sings prays twice.” To strengthen this integral component of our parish life we want to appoint a Worship Ministry Coordinator to make our celebrations even more powerful and consistent.

We educate children from Pre-K age all the way through the elementary, middles school and high school years. This process is critical to our future and requires adequate resources to insure our children are properly catechized to go forth into a challenging world. Our RCIA and adult education programs also are important to us.

Effective and Gospel- inspired social action is an important ministry for us here also. Among the most prominent programs are Americares, the Christmas toy collection, our food drive and our ongoing care and outreach to our sick. We also sponsor a number of social gatherings that are important to sustain and buildupon our fellowship here at Saint Francis.

Communication that is far-reaching and effective is required to link all of our people and ministries together. We want to revive the parish newsletter and strengthen our presence on the website to further this aim.

We have now reached an important, exciting yet critical point in our parish life. We must take the opportunity presented to us now to insure these ministries survive and prosper. All of these ministries require resources to operate. Our parish offertory collection is the lifeblood that nourishes the heart from which our actions draw their inspiration. That is why I am asking each one of you to prayerfully consider making a modest increase in your weekly giving.

The members of the parish finance committee and I understand these are challenging times. Such times, however, require more from our parish ministries, not less and a strengthened collection is the only way for this to occur. By making every effort to be a regular and consistent user of your envelopes, and by making the commitment to nudge your weekly gift upward a bit, we can survive and flourish in our parish life.

Please pray over this important request I have presented you and respond as best you can. We are good stewards of what you have given us and we ask that you in turn practice good stewardship with your blessings. As Sacred Scripture tells us, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16) Whatever your decision, I ask for your prayers and assure you of mine on your behalf.

This parish has recorded a 25% increase in weekly giving-the message worked!

Monday, October 26, 2009

One of those fundraising stories.

This is one of those stories that fundraising people like me love to tell. I'll let the article do the telling but its one of thee good ones. Enjoy-and if you ever happen to be sitting in on one of my talks and I use this, please act surprised!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111091624

Leadership! You know it when you see it.

Statement of Bishop Tobin in Response to Congressman Kennedy’s Attack on Catholic Church(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) -

The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, today issued the following statement in response to a Cybercast News Service article that reported: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I) told CNSNews.com that the Catholic Church is doing nothing but fanning “the flames of dissent and discord” by taking the position that it will oppose the health-care reform bill under consideration in Congress unless it is amended to explicitly prohibit funding of abortion.

“Congressman Patrick Kennedy’s statement about the Catholic Church’s position on health care reform is irresponsible and ignorant of the facts. But the Congressman is correct in stating that “he can’t understand.” He got that part right.

As I wrote to Congressman Kennedy and other members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation recently, the Bishops of the United States are indeed in favor of comprehensive health care reform and have been for many years. But we are adamantly opposed to health care legislation that threatens the life of unborn children, requires taxpayers to pay for abortion, rations health care, or compromises the conscience of individuals.

Congressman Kennedy continues to be a disappointment to the Catholic Church and to the citizens of the State of Rhode Island. I believe the Congressman owes us an apology for his irresponsible comments. It is my fervent hope and prayer that he will find a way to provide more effective and morally responsible leadership for our state.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Our client in the news! Almost at goal...

We are pleased to report that St. Mary Star of the Sea in New London, CT, has crossed well beyond the $500,000 mark and are closing in on their $600,000 goal! No small accomplishment in this economy and in an economically challenged community. Father Washabaugh is an outstanding leader and his parishioners have really rallied to restore this historic church.

It's fun to celebrate the victories!

www.theday.com/article/20090921/NWS01/309219975

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

A Widow's Might version 2.0

A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog. Jack London

Now THIS was a good question.

At a morning meeting with Monsignor Greico of Weston, CT we were discussing the "case for support" for his parish's upcoming offertory enchancement appeal. We covered the usual topics of budget vs. income, rising expenses, a slight dip in offertory due to the recession, the desire to expand ministries.

I thought we were doing pretty well-Monsignor didnt seem quite satisfied. As the discussion continued Monsignor became quiet, leaned back in his chair and seemed to settle into deep reflection. After a few moments he asked me this question:

"John, with all that is going on today, where do my people go to get hope?"

And there you have it...

The Ask! A slightly different version.

How Am i Doing,v by Jack Canfield,

One of life's fundamental truths states, "Ask and you shall receive." As kids we get used to asking for things, but somehow we lose this ability in adulthood. We come up with all sorts of excuses and reasons to avoid any possibility of criticism or rejection. This is especially true when it comes to asking for opinions on our appearance, behavior, or performance. When is the last time you asked for a status report from a beloved or co-worker on your attitude, for example? How about a report card from a best friend? A grade on your parenting from your spouse or kids?

If you are not moving closer to what you want, you probably aren't doing enough asking. And you're probably not asking the single most important question that can help you achieve a higher level of success and personal fulfillment: How am I doing? This question can be asked in a variety of settings--at work, at home, with friends and colleagues, and even within yourself. The information you gather can be used to set new goals, refine your habits, and generally help you to make the improvements you know you need to make. Have faith that the person you ask will enjoy offering you truthful answers. After all, it's an opportunity to enrich that relationship and exchange very personal insights. You may even find yourself answering the same question back at the other person.

How to Ask

Some people don't enjoy the fruits of asking because they don't ask effectively. If you use vague language you will not be clearly understood. Here are five ways to ensure that your asking gets results.

1) Ask Clearly
Be precise. Think clearly about your request. Take time to prepare. Use a note pad to pick words that have the greatest impact. Words are powerful, so choose them carefully. If you throw the "How am I doing?" question out without specifics, it may take time for the other person to understand what you're getting at. Instead of being vague at the start, it may help to begin with a direct reference to exactly what topic you're referring to. For example, if it's your fitness habits, try "I really appreciate your thoughts on how I'm doing in my attempts to shape up physically. I'm hoping to drop a few pounds and eat better, but I'm wondering (since you're my husband and you see me more than anybody else) how you think I'm doing?" Later on, you can add something like, "Where do you think I could be going wrong, or could be doing better?"

2) Ask with Confidence
People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence. Don't be shy or feel intimidated by the experience. You may face some unexpected criticism, but be prepared for it with confidence. Try to have an open mind and heart. Don't get defensive if you hear something you don't like or that makes you uncomfortable. It's good to get a little squirmy once in a while upon the observations of others. They will inspire you to stop, reflect, and take steps to make a lifestyle shift for the better.

3) Ask Consistently
Some people fold after making one timid request. They quit too soon. Keep asking until you find the answers. In prospecting there are usually four or five "no's" before you get a "yes." Top producers understand this. When you find a way to ask that works, keep on asking it. You may, for example, want to ask a co-worker about your performance on an important team project, but you sense a reluctance from that person to offer an opinion. You can always ask another person who is more receptive to the question, or consider how you are asking it and try again. Because people don't normally go around asking others for opinions on how well they are doing, it's not a question typically heard. So be prepared to ask over and over again before you hear a clear--useful--answer.

4) Ask Creatively
Everyone is busy these days keeping up with life and To Dos. Asking someone to stop and evaluate you can seem awkward or time-consuming. Your asking may get lost in the crowd, unheard by the people you hope to reach. There is a way around this. If you want someone's attention, don't ask the ordinary way. Use your creativity to dream up a high-impact presentation. Example: "If you wanted me to do one thing differently in our relationship, what would that be?" Find right time to ask the question.

5) Ask Sincerely
When you really need help, people will respond. Sincerity means dropping the image facade and showing a willingness to be vulnerable. Tell it the way it is, lumps and all. Don't worry if your presentation isn't perfect; ask from your heart. Keep it simple and people will open up to you.

If you own your own business or have a lead role at work in dealing with customers, the how-am-I-doing question can go a long way in bringing you priceless information. And don't for a minute think that this is only a question for Customer Service. Asking for feedback is critical regardless of one's position. How do you really know if your product or service, for instance, is meeting your customers' needs? Ask them, "How are we doing? What can we do to improve our service to you? Please share what you like or don't like about our products." Set up regular customer surveys that ask good questions and tough questions. It's a powerful way to fine-tune your business--and all the relationship you forge in that business.


Think about taking an inventory of "how-am-I-doing" from various people in your life at least once a year. Make it an annual habit. I trust you'll be surprised and delighted at what you discover about yourself in this process. And it will surely lead the way to higher, more satisfying levels of yourself.


(c) 2009 Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield is America's #1 Success Coach, co-founder of the billion-dollar Chicken Soup for the Soul brand

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jack-canfield/how-am-i-doing-the-one-qu_b_268600.html?view=print

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

It takes a big shovel to fill an even deeper hole!

Approximately eighteen months ago, we were given the unique opportunity of conducting a diocesan-wide offertory enhancement appeal for the Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg, NY. Under the guidance of then Most Rev. Bishop Robert Cunningham (now Bishop of Syracuse) and with the careful attention of Vicar General Murphy and the Development office, we successfully raised the offertory by an average of 25% across their 113 parishes.

While I would love to spend the next several paragraphs expounding about the outstanding Cunneen process, that is not what this newsletter is about. We are proud of our work in Ogdensburg and they are very pleased with Cunneen. The purpose of this article is to challenge you, the reader, to think a bit bigger about parish and diocesan finance.

What impact would a 25% increase in giving have not just on the parishes in your diocese but on the entire diocese including all the programs and services funded through the Cathedraticum and diocesan assessment. A 25% increase in offertory at the parish level translates to a 25% increase in revenue derived from the Cathedraticum or assessment (without having to ask parishes for an even greater sacrifice).

Referencing the Diocese of Ogdensburg, they negotiated a 25% decrease from the regular fee and agreed to subsidize the remaining fee by one-third. This left the parishes with two-thirds of a greatly reduced fee. The diocese took it one step further and advanced this money to the parishes with the parishes reimbursing the diocese once their appeals were conducted. At that point, the new income was already flowing into the parish and the Cunneen guarantee met.

√ 100% of the parishes participated, and
√ 100% of the parishes realized a significant increase

Eighteen months later, pastors completed a survey and indicated that their increases were holding. The base was solidified, all parties benefited greatly, and the Church in Ogdensburg is stronger.

We, as a Church, as well as The Cunneen Company cannot keep trying to solve the same problems with the same solutions. We need to move beyond just fixing individual problems at individual parishes. Local solutions just aren’t big enough. If the will to conduct an appeal, diocesan-wide, does not exist, perhaps it does city-wide, deanery-wide or regionally. If the parishes who need it the most won’t or cannot conduct an appeal, perhaps the diocese can under- write the fee or subsidize its most needy parishes.

Cunneen remains ready to partner with your diocese, your parish, your deanery, or all of the parishes in your city on BIG solutions that solve BIG problems.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Do you have to? YES! Blogging, Facebook, Twitter and you…

I had hoped never to have to write this article but alas the time has come.

It is time for Catholic parishes to move beyond bulletins and websites as the sole methods for communicating with their parishioners. Yes! This article is about embracing blogging, Facebook and dare I say Twitter.

As a society we are experiencing a major and rapid change in how we seek, acquire and ultimately consume information. We are migrating away from traditional sources such as the home delivered newspaper, the news magazine and the evening news. We are visiting websites of our choosing from our computers or our smart phones. We are simultaneously narrowing our focus to specific types of news or specific viewpoints while at the same time using technology to keep us informed on a remarkably broad range of subjects.

Want to know if a severe thunderstorm is approaching your area? No problem sign up for a weather alert and your phone will notify you with a warning. Are you interested in up to date scores of your favorite team? Instant notification is about ten keystrokes away. Ever wonder what happened to that funny kid who you bunked with in summer camp? She is on Facebook-waiting for you to “friend her”.

Modern technology has changed much about how people interact with each other and connect with their community. There is much to be concerned about; there is no question that “new” comes with a fair amount of “not quite as good as it was”.

Embracing the new technology, however, can also be extraordinarily powerful. It can bring people together; it can dramatically expand the ease and speed in how you communicate with your parishioners, area Catholics, or supporters. Effective use of this technology also provides a forum for disseminating real content, for having real conversations, for tackling important topics.

Blog sites, Facebook and even twitter are all tools that Catholic Dioceses as well as parishes need to be investigating. A quick search on the term “Catholic Parish” on the Facebook website yields dozens of parishes who have built their own “groups” to promote the parish, to connect members of their youth programs, to discuss their faith. Some parishes have several hundred members in their groups that they can communicate within seconds, several hundred members who are learning about their parish, their youth group, parish activities or important elements of their faith.

An investigation of the www.Blogspot.com blog hosting company provides dozens of examples of blogs being maintained by Catholic pastors where important topics related to our faith are being discussed. There are blogs from business managers, youth ministers and energetic lay people. Discussions are happening, people are sharing, and people are connecting!

Most of these sites are free and have tools which allow for privacy, access and content control.

As for Twitter it is worth looking at if only to get a preview of where things may be heading. Essentially it is a real time, running dialog, of very short messages from an individual to a community of people who have elected to be kept informed of the individual’s activities.

The big message of this article is blogs, Facebook and even Twitter are important tools that individuals, leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations and churches are using to communicate, to build community and to connect people with common interests and ideas to each other.

Sounds familiar, sounds relevant, sounds important!

John

(note: article to appear in an upcoming Cunneen Company newsletter, I am well aware that anyone reading this knows about blogs!)

Monday, May 25, 2009

Dont Waste the Summer-Ten things to do before the Fall!

1.) Review all donor activity over the past six months. What is your average gift? Are the number of gifts you are receiving increasing or decreasing, are you missing any key givers from prior years? Now is the time to do some "data mining" in an attempt to spot any trends or to pull out a few key names for personal attention over the quieter summer months.

2.) Select five key donors and schedule a casual meeting with them to discuss their ideas for your organization, some of your goals, the challenges that you will face once the fall begins. Consider doing something you couldn't otherwise do during the fall or winter-attend a local sporting event, afternoon cocktails on the patio, boating-something informal and different.

3.) Launch a blog, create a facebook presence for your organization, start twittering. Embrace all of the fancy new technology. The summer tends to be a bit slower, take the time to learn, read, experiment with the many new ways available to you to spread the word about what your organization does! I read an article yesterday that some churches are encouraging members to twitter while in church and are broadcasting those messages on a screen during services! A bit nutty-but it's different and perhaps it will draw folks in? Learn them now-they are not going away!

4.) Throw away all of those winter and spring "to do lists" and make new lists! No sense mourning the unaccomplished. Priorities change, the economy is improving! If you didn't do it in January or March it probably didn't need to get done. Make a new list for the Fall!

5.) Pick the largest pile of manila folders on your desk, file rack or file cabinet and obliterate it! Throw out, re-file, give to somebody else. I have discovered that 75% of the things contained in manila folders in my office are outdated and useless. Make them go away.

6.) Draft the first appeal or solicitation letter that you intend to use this fall. Write it, put it in your desk and let it sit for a month or two. Re-visit and edit late in the summer. How often do we have this luxury? I can't tell you how many letters I have created and mailed that a bit of time and reflection wouldn't have dramatically improved.

7.) Read a book on planned giving! (This has been on my summer list for five years!)

8.) End your list at eight! Call it a day and go home early! It's the Summer-enjoy it!

The Cunneen Company-Good news!

Just a moment or two to celebrate some outstanding news here at The Cunneen Company. Over the past several months we have been in discussions with several dioceses across the country about conducting an offertory enhancement appeal for all their parishes.

I am thrilled to announce that starting this Fall the Catholic Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota will be utilizing our firm to conduct an offertory appeal for all 119 of its parishes.

I am equally thrilled that the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Pasaaic has also placed its trust with Cunneen to conduct an offertory appeal for all 93 of its parishes in the coming months!

Congratulations to all of the Cunneen team members who made this possible. Our sincere thanks to the church leaders in Pasaaic and Fargo their confidence in our firm!

More "big news" to follow in the coming weeks!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Well if he said it...

"The Nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools."

Thucydides (a really long time ago)

For the Dan Brown fans out there - I present:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/opinion/19douthat.html?_r=1&em

The author of this fantastic little article is a graduate of my High School-Hamden Hall in Hamden, CT. Ross was a few years behind me. I wish I could say I knew him well (I am sure many folks knew him better now that he is a world famous columnist).

Ross Douthat replaces Bill Kristol as the "conservative" voice in the New York Times.

Fantastic article about the controversial yet absurdly popular author Dan Brown.

Well done Ross-and to think we had the same English teachers!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Sales! Sales! Sales! SALES!

We are all salespeople! Yes even our parish priests, our business managers our non profit directors-we, in one way or another are always selling something. Selling our vision, selling our passion, selling our product or service, selling our solutions, selling others on our mission-selling, selling, selling!

In order to sell you must believe that you are a salesperson!

Back in August I wrote a blogpost about this: http://cunneen.blogspot.com/2008/08/face-it-you-are-salesperson.html Apparently I was ably assisted in my passion for all things sales by Tom Peters. As a long time follower of Tom's work I can only conclude based on the following video that he was the first to introduce me to the "everyone is a salesperson" school of thought.

Tom's style is not for everyone but his message is usually pretty good. Enjoy if you can.


Tom Peters on Yes! You Are in Sales! from Tom Peters on Vimeo.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Fascinating Map (New York Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/03/03/us/20090303_LEONHARDT.html?ref=business

Good Advice!

Consider ...
Daily Wisdom for Troubled Times

Get up earlier.
Go to bed later.
Work harder.
Finish what you start.
Learn one new thing.
Renew one contact.
Ask, "How can I help you?" at least once.
Make yourself visible.
Be of good cheer.

Catch a break.
Or not.

Repeat tomorrow.


Courtesy of Tom Peters blog. http://www.tompeters.com/

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

I thought so!

Top 5 Most Taxed States

1. Vermont
Population: 620,000
Average tax burden per person: $3,861

2. Hawaii
Population: 1.29 million
Average tax burden per person: $3,856

3. Connecticut
Population: 3.5 million
Average tax burden per person: $3,596

4. Minnesota
Population: 5.2 million
Average tax burden per person: $3,203

5. New Jersey
Population: 8.7 million
Average tax burden per person: $3,024

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Things are looking up!

‘Times are tough, but people still give’

Twin Cities United Way posts fundraising record for 2008


The above headline and sub-header were part of a very recent front page article in the Minneapolis StarTribune. The article, in part, discussed all that the United Way has done and continues to do for the community in the areas of ‘hunger, homelessness, financial and health problems, family violence, and children’s success in school.’

Not only are their efforts important and needed for the community but they clearly understand better than some nonprofits, that even when times are tough, when asked, those who can will give. As Randi Yoder from the United Way stated, ‘People understand there are pressing needs in our community-made worse by layoffs, foreclosures, and other economic stresses-and want to make life better for those who need a helping hand.’ Amazingly, in the midst of these very troubled times, their efforts raised an all time record $95,000,000!

While acknowledging the seriously challenging times that all nonprofit charitable organizations face and pointing out that ‘there may be leaner times ahead’, the CEO of United Way specifically noted the importance of all their agencies to both stay focused on their core missions while keeping close tabs on finances. Even cautioning that ‘in this economy, flat may become the new up’. But with that, also noting that this most recent effort once again proved that people will support causes they believe in when asked to do so.

As a Catholic parish fundraiser, this article clearly reaffirmed an axiom we have always known to be true; if you respectfully ask for their support, people will give. But with that said, the flip side of that is equally true; if you don’t ask, they will give to those who do.

While United Way obviously understands the need and importance of asking, we are now frequently seeing Catholic parishes who, despite the same needs, have decided to not ask their parishioners to do anything. Neither asking regular supporters to consider a new level of support or to minimally recommit to their current level of support. Or to ask the majority of parishioners at every parish, those who currently give very little to nothing, to consider some committed level of support. Pastors and Finance Committees at some parishes have essentially shelved the parishes financial needs as an area of emphasis or discussion. Even if it has meant to possibly run in the red or to cut back on the ministries, services, support, and staff, they have traditionally provided. This, even though when asked, most Catholics say their church is their #1 charitable priority.

Why the concern to ask? The two most common explanations I frequently hear from Pastors who have chosen this approach to their finances is that it would either be ‘insensitive to ask now’ or that they are going to ‘wait until things get better.’ Unfortunately, the question with no clear answer for any parish is, when exactly will that better time be? In the meantime, many of their parishioners support United Way and other charitable causes, and will continue to do so, because those organizations do ask.

If you agree that doing nothing is not a good option and may prove very troubling for your parish, we will be happy to meet and discuss your overall needs. Following that we will review your options towards developing a plan that will assure that your parish will, now and always, be able to continue to provide for all who need your help, support, and guidance.


Wayne Miller
Regional Director
The Cunneen Company
866.223.7128

Wayne-Thank you for putting this together-I couldnt agree more! Awesome article and a great message for our clients and those that read this blog. Good stuff.
-John

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Creativity! It's fun to see.

Jill Sobule, a musician, was struggling to get a new album produced. Apparently she needed to raise $75,000 to self finance the studio time and production costs. Read the "message from Jill" section and check out the creative way she motivated and memorialized gifts.

Its cool to see neat people finding creative ways to fund their dreams!

http://www.jillsnextrecord.com/

She did in fact raise the $75,000 and the album will be coming out shortly-great stuff!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Who needs 15 minutes of fame - l will gladly accept my 15 seconds!

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_hamden_banking_economy_200903182337_rev1

This was easy to do because it is true. We always make a point of trying to do our business locally it strengthens our ties with the community, helps our friends and neighbors and provides us with much better service. A true win win!

Mark Candido and Dick Barredo the leaders of the Quinnipiac Bank and Trust Company are good people running a great bank-our economic recovery might really benefit from some "back to the basics" relationship building.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Why we do it!

http://www.cunneen.com/yale_impact_article.pdf

Thank you to all the friends, family and co-workers that made things just a little bit easier over these past two years. Cheryl and I are truly blessed!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Enough by John C. Bogle - send me an email and ill send you this book!

Tom Peter's the management guru referencing one of the best business books he has ever read. The book titled ENOUGH by John C. Bogle shares with us his thoughts on the current economy and society in general.

The chapter titles-they speak volumes:

"Too Much Cost, Not Enough Value"
"Too Much Speculation, Not Enough Investment"
"Too Much Complexity, Not Enough Simplicity"
"Too Much Counting, Not Enough Trust"
"Too Much Business Conduct, Not Enough Professional Conduct"
"Too Much Salesmanship, Not Enough Stewardship"
"Too Much Focus on Things, Not Enough Focus on Commitment"
"Too Many Twenty-first Century Values, Not Enough Eighteenth-Century Values"
"Too Much 'Success,' Not Enough Character

The overarching theme captured by the book's title, "Enough".

Thursday, March 5, 2009

A final message from a pastor to his parishoners..

"This weekend the "Ordinary Time" of the year comes to an end, and
we move forward into Lent, a penitential period of preparation for the future, joy God extends to all. This year, the end of ordinary times has a special meaning to me.

I know you have placed me, my friends, in God's presence, as you seek from him healing for me. For that I offer you my love and prayers.

As the paralyzed man brought before Jesus, I am desirous of His healing. But more importantly I seek His forgiveness - and yours. With this latest medical turn I do not know when or if I will resume "ordinary time" with you. I want to thank you beforehand for carrying me into the Lord's presence.

You have been, along with my family and fellow Oblates, a real support and inspiration for me. You have kept me going, and hopefully growing, in God's life. Perhaps I shall return with post-Easter ordinary time. That is my goal and hope.

Meanwhile - and always - know that I love you all, those with whom I have agreed as well as those with whom I felt compelled to take an opposing position.

Please - for God's sake - for that is what this is all about, work together as a Parish, not as a parish "and" a school "and" a youth
group "and" a finance committee "and" a PSA, etc.

Be parish! Be family! For the Father's sake! We are called to carry together the paralyzed one in our midst. We will meet in the future in the Risen Life

God gives through forgiveness of sin. God love you all!"

-A beloved pastor to his parishioners and a Cunneen client - his final bulletin announcement before passing.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Now more than ever!

If not now WHEN? When has it been more important for our churches, schools, community based non-profits, social service organizations, and health care organizations, to ask for and to receive money to fulfill their essential missions?

If not now when?

When have we faced more of a challenge to our confidence, to our financial well being, to our sense of what is right, to our belief that we can improve tomorrow by the work we do today?

The Cunneen Company, my firm, works in hundreds of Catholic communities in every corner of the country. We also assist schools, social service organizations and health care agencies, nursing homes and community action groups. In every organization in every part of the country the work of our clients is necessary, it is important, it is essential. It is needed NOW MORE THAN EVER!

If you are using your valuable time to read this blog you do so for one reason-you care about your organization. You care about the people you serve, the faithful that fill your pews, the everyday folks that utilize your services or send their children to your schools.

If you are reading this blog, you, like me,spend time not only worrying about the future but more importantly planning, organizing and taking action to meet that future head on-to accept every challenge and to insure that your organization can fulfill its mission and serve its people.

Leadership, boldness, unwavering belief in the importance of your mission, confidence that your supporters will not let you down (they wont) is needed NOW MORE THAN EVER.

If you are not asking your supporters for gifts, if you are not moving forward with your annual appeal, offertory enhancement program, and essential maintenance projects you are missing an opportunity. An opportunity to experience the great joy of witnessing a community come together, in the most difficult of times, to support the most essential of causes-your organization.

Now More Than Ever!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Interesting...

Oh this video works for me in many ways.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Tips 10-11-12 ! For fundraising in 2009!

10.) Have Fun. Times are tough, we are all feeling it. One of the principal reasons donors support an organization is it makes them feel good. Make sure that even in these extraordinarily difficult times you maintain an element of fun, and spontaneity. Keep all communication with your donors as upbeat and positive as possible and as appropriate. Doom and gloom does not raise money.

11.) Do not take your donors/parishioners for granted. Most of my clients rarely enjoy hearing this but: "Your donors have a choice". I guarantee you that your donors have another choice in which church they attend or support, which hospital they give to or what private school their children attend.

Moreover they have a choice as to if and at what level they chose to donate to your organization. In these difficult times make an extra effort to say thank you to your donors, make sure they get the handwritten note, the invitation to an appreciation event, the proper mention in your publication. It will make a big difference.

12.) Doing nothing is not the answer. Your parishioners, patients, students or clients are all counting on you and your leadership team to meet the challenges that 2009 will surely deliver. Your donors expect you to lead and are ready and willing to help you financially with volunteer help and professional expertise. Failure to lead, failure to act, letting difficult circumstances freeze you in place is not acceptable. Analyze the challenges, draft a plan and execute!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Tips 7-8-9 ! For fundraising in 2009!

7.) Stick with what works. If your annual appeal always seems to work, even though its a tad tired or not that much fun-stick with it! If that big spring event has always been your best fundraiser, don't cancel, don't try and reinvent it, run it again only this time be a bit more efficient and more focused. With limited resources and donors who are feeling a bit under siege, now is the time to keep focused on the basics and on the fundamentals.

8.) Consider greater use of online resources. Increased communication, increased donor stewardship, learn more about your donors, make sure you are telling your donors as much about you as possible. There are many free or close to free ways of communicating with your donors-consider starting a blog, using twitter, setting up a facebook profile for your organization, utilize an online newsletter service such as constantcontact.com. There are many very affordable ways of dramatically increasing the touch points between your parish or non profit and your supporters.

9.) Cut expenses strategically. Every organization has expenses that can be trimmed. But you must resist the urge to overdo it or to cut in areas which might ultimately jeopardize your income. Now is NOT the time to cut your major gifts officer, to dial back from three to two annual appeal mailings or to cut back on your communication, outreach and stewardship efforts. It does take money to make money. Cutting the wrong expenses could actually accelerate the pace of financial pressures your organization is facing.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

The good folks in the Diocese of Syracuse!

I post a fair bit about the successes that our parish clients are experiencing with their offertory enhancement appeals-even in this difficult economy. This article which recently appeared in the Catholic Sun, the newspaper for the Diocese of Syracuse does a great job of sharing a success story or two! Thank you to the newspaper and to the wonderful pastors and parishioners in greater Syracuse, New York area.

http://www.syrdio.org/NewsStories.asp?id=1650

Cheers to Beth Lucia, the longest serving member of the Cunneen team for her careful guidance of these important appeals.

Tips 4-5-6! For fundraising in 2009!

4.) Ask! If you are like most churches or non-profits you have real and compelling needs. You are still fulfilling your mission, still serving your community and therefor still require funding. Do not let fear of asking paralyze you. If you believe in your mission, if fulfilling your mission requires funding, if your funding comes from donors, then you MUST ask!

5.) Trust your donors. Your donors give to you for a reason. They believe in your mission, they were positively impacted by you in the past, they have strong faith, or any of a dozen additional reasons. Most donors give because they WANT to, out of a sense of gratitude, responsibility, personal fulfillment-it makes them happy, gives them satisfaction. These are good people giving to you for good reasons, in difficult times they are the people you should trust, they are the people you should turn to for advice and support. Trust your donors-they trust you and they wont let you down.

6.) Communicate, communicate, communicate. Good leaders understand that in difficult times effective communication is an essential element of outstanding leadership. Your employees, donors, volunteers,and board members need to know, demand to know,exactly what is happening with your organization.

Now is the time to celebrate your successes twice as loudly and three times as often. Now is the time to articulate your challenges in a blunt, honest and direct manner. Now is the time to remind those that care about organization exactly what your goals are, exactly why your organization exists and why its not important but ESSENTIAL! Say more, say it louder, say it more frequently, say it honestly and directly. Silence shows fear and indecision-communicating shows a determined resolve to lead!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Tips 1-2-3! For fundraising in 2009

1.) Know your numbers. How many donors regularly support your organization. What is the average gift? Who are the ten largest givers and what do they give? How are your numbers tracking weekly/monthly this year vs. last year?

2.) Focus your case. Now is not the time for pie in the sky type thinking. It is great, important and liberating to dream but your donors are a bit tired and scared at the moment-do the dreaming privately right now. Save the twenty year/twenty million dollar plan for another day. Now is the time to focus your case on your core mission, core needs, and core one, three, six and twelve month goals.

3.) Build relationships. Take your top donors to lunch and share your thoughts, plans and concerns. Host a small dinner, cocktail hour or coffee with your key volunteers, key donors or leadership team to discuss the economy, funding challenges and your goals. Always be reaching out to the people who can and who want to assist you. You will enjoy the fellowship, you will derive comfort from their enthusiasm and maybe even raise a few dollars.

Results!

As I sit here early in the New Year reviewing a spreadsheet from our late fall campaigns, I felt compelled to draft a quick report of how these parish appeals performed. I think the results speak for themselves.

Seventy-nine Catholic pastors are receiving a final report from The Cunneen Company outlining the results of their offertory enhancement appeals. If their parish is realizing our typical Fall 2008 results, they are seeing positive results. The average 1,000 family parish conducting a Cunneen offertory campaign this Fall has realized the following:

 23% increase in weekly giving
 30 to 50 families signing up for electronic giving
 25 new envelope or regular givers
 15 new families on the parish database

Even in these difficult economic times, parishioners continue to prayerfully reflect on the blessings they have received, their need as Catholics to be good stewards, and the very real need of the parish to receive additional funding to maintain the parish facility, fund essential ministries, and meet the needs of its parishioners.

While I would enjoy attributing the success of these fall appeals to the effectiveness of the Cunneen program, I feel that most of the explanation lies in the unwavering faith of the tens of thousands of Catholic families who understand that, in times of distress, churches need more of their help not less.

Many of the people who read this blog are in a position of leadership in their diocese, sharing the burden of assisting parishes, pastors, and lay leaders as they navigate their parishes through these difficult times. While Cunneen cannot make the economy improve or make the uncertainty any more certain for your parishioners; we can assist your diocese and the parishes it serves in designing a program to properly address the pressing financial concerns that every parish is facing.

We can also accept all financial risk for the program by providing your diocese and its parishes with a guarantee that protects 100% of the investment in our service.

 A New York Catholic Diocese has recorded a twenty-five percent increase in regular giving across its parishes
 A New England Diocese is currently seeing a twenty-three percent increase in regular giving among a third of its parishes.

Thank you to the 79 pastors and parish leaders who worked with Cunneen in the late fall on offertory enhancement appeals. We are thrilled with your results!