THE CHALLENGE
The Diocese of Davenport faced a challenge common among Catholic dioceses today: an aging priest population with a significant need for retirement resources like adequate housing and health care. The former pastors who shepherded the parishes of the diocese needed and deserved more than the diocese could provide. Additionally, the funds for seminarian education and formation were running low and could run out soon without a quick boost of funds.
THE VISION
The Most Rev. Thomas R. Zinkula, Bishop of Davenport, and diocesan leaders simplified the diocese’s needs into a few relatable goals, including:
- Improving funding for priests’ retirement and health care.
- Bolstering seminarian education and formation funding.
- Strengthening parishes.
- Reducing the parish assessment for the Priests’ Aid Society by 25%.
THE SOLUTION
The Diocese of Davenport teamed up with the Steier Group for the Upon This Rock Capital Campaign. The diocese and the Steier Group team collaborated on a powerful message supporting the priests of the diocese – a message that was very effective. The campaign reached and exceeded its goal, allowing extra funds to go toward seminarian education and parish needs. The campaign received strong support from the diocese, with 44% of active parish families participating, which is a high rate for such a campaign. This success came even amid the challenges of COVID, inflation and parishes’ own funding needs, highlighting the belief that stewardship – our grateful response to all God has given us – is for all times of our life, not just when all is good.
“The campaign managers took a common sense approach that was collaborative, straightforward, customized and flexible. They were professional and easy to partner with. We found that they know what works, and therefore if we followed their advice we would achieve our goal.”
Most Rev. Thomas R. Zinkula, Bishop of Davenport
Campaign Stats
The Steier Group’s unique, hands-on campaign management model, combined with our expert grant writers, award-winning designers and creative fundraising strategies, allowed us to exceed goal.
Goal
24000000
Raised
28887921
Percentage of Goal
120
A Customized Approach
We founded our firm on the belief that the best capital campaign is one that is customized and executed by one team, under one roof. When you hire the Steier Group, you eliminate the need to contract with additional vendors for services like copywriting, graphic design, grant writing, video production, website development or wealth screening. We reject the one-size-fits-all approach to fundraising and embrace every opportunity to design a capital campaign plan that will maximize our client’s fundraising potential.
Contact Steier Group today
You have a vision for the growth and success of your church, school or organization. Now it’s time to gather the generous, wholehearted support you need to make it happen. Contact Steier Group today to discuss the benefits of a customized capital campaign.
