Office Of Parish Development

3 South Prospect Avenue, Suite 11
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Tel: (847) 825-1432 | Fax: (847) 825-4287
Web: www.development.goarch.org

WE ARE A RESOURCE TO ASSIST YOUR PARISH WITH :

• Raising Funds for Capital Improvement
• Expanding Stewardship
• Seeking Grants for Parish Programs
• Establishing a Parish Endowment
• Other Fundraising Guidance

Every parish in America — from the youngest mission to the most established cathedral — has growth needs.

What is the next goal for your parish?

• To build a new parish sanctuary
• To expand existing parish facilities
• To increase stewardship
• To start an endowment program

Attaining these goals is always challenging.

THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE OF PARISH DEVELOPMENT CAN HELP!

Thankfully, there is help available to give your parish guidance. You do not need to start this work from scratch!

At any point in time, many parishes throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese are in need of fundraising assistance from an objective and experienced source. The use of outside fundraising counsel, which is standard for nonprofit organizations, has become a widely accepted practice for individual parishes, as well. The benefits received from these services in terms of greater organization, better execution, and more dollars raised makes the costs worthwhile. While there are a variety of fund raising consultants whose services are specifically tailored to work with churches, there are few such consultants who understand the unique characteristics of Greek Orthodox parishes. In 2004, through a grant from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership100 Endowment Fund, the Archdiocese created the Office of Parish Development (OPD) to provide such fundraising assistance specifically for Greek Orthodox parishes.

The services of the OPD are unique in several ways. The fundraising approach of the office is based on direct experience and personal involvement with Greek Orthodox parishes across the United States. The OPD aims to assist parishes using an effective strategy that is rooted in sound fundraising principles. Even more importantly, OPD staff members work to ensure that funds are raised in such a way as to glorify God and to enhance the spiritual life of all involved in the project.

Areas of Assistance include the following:

Capital Campaign Planning Studies
Before undertaking a major capital campaign, it is advisable to have an objective third party assess the parish’s fundraising potential. A planning study provides this feedback to a parish as it identifies the right steps to take to maximize the campaign’s effectiveness.

Ongoing Capital Campaign Assistance and Management
A successful campaign begins with a strategy built from experience. It is conducted through tried-and-true methods. Most parishes do not have fundraising professionals on staff to guide this important effort.

Contact Us!

Please call our office at (847) 825-1432 or email us . We are happy to discuss your needs and provide you with over-the-phone guidance. If your parish needs hands-on stewardship, campaign, or other fundraising assistance, one of our staff members can travel to your parish to make a presentation about how we might be able to assist your parish further.