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