Bricks, Mortar, and… Faith? A Mission-Driven Campaign
What happens when three separate communities become one and see beyond their own individual needs to focus on the larger picture? A whopping $5 million plus raised on a $3.5 million goal!
The combined communities of St. Michael and St. Mary parishes along with St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater, MN did just that! It is not unusual for clustered or combined communities that were once unto themselves to remain relatively separate except for their shared resources. Embarking on a capital campaign in this situation can be a challenge as parishioners may prefer that the monies be used "at home" and can sometimes fail to see the larger picture.
Here, each parish had building restoration projects to fund, and St. Croix Catholic School proposed a boost to their endowment. Our approach gradually saw, “I” become “we” and “my” become “ours.” These three communities rallied and took a step outside of themselves. What once was three individual entities that shared resources is now becoming one community that shares a single mission.
The Keys to Success:
Step 1: Educate – parishioners of both parishes and school families were given an outline of the parish renovation projects to be funded as well as the strategic endowment fund for the school.
Step 2: Expand – the community was taken beyond the case and explored statistics and background and given time to discuss the positive impact that a strong Catholic education can have on students for a lifetime.
Step 3: Engage – as the campaign progressed, people united to support a case that was more than just bricks and mortar, but about leaving a legacy of faith for generations to come.