ATTENTION: PRIESTS AND PARISH LEADERS
Earn the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University
Join us online this Fall 2024 along with Orthodox Christian Parish Leaders from across the country to grow in the ministry of religious fundraising.
Offered in coordination with the Office of Vocation & Ministry Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Department of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism with the generous support of Leadership 100.
Dates for the 8-Week Course will be announced soon.
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"Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry."
- Henri J. M. Nouwen
Outcomes
- Learn to speak comfortably about money.
- Learn to "make the ask" for major gifts.
- Encourage members to remember the Church in their estate planning.
Time Commitment
- Meet online twice per week for 8 weeks
- One 90-minute Interactive Plenary Session
- One 60-minute moderated Peer Group Discussion
The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in parishes and faith-based organizations. ECRF is an intensive program with a practical application project. The ECRF course helps parish leaders learn the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving.
This year's ECRF is offered through the HCHC Office of Vocation & Ministry in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism with support from Leadership 100. Click here to learn more about the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving of Indiana University and the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising.
Who Should Attend
Clergy and lay leaders in parishes who wish to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and develop practical skills in religious fundraising.
Dates of Program
The course will be held online over 8 weeks this fall. Dates to be announced.
1) One 90-minute interactive “plenary” session
2) One 60-minute weekly facilitated peer group gathering (multiple time slots available).
3) Weekly online independent study of lesson materials.
Anticipated Program Fee (all-inclusive)
$1,300 Early Bird Rate
$1,550 Full Program Rate
Financial Aid
While a $300 deposit is required for all participants, financial aid of up to $1,000 is available by application. This year, scholarship priority will be given to clergy and lay leaders who want to increase generosity and stewardship at their parish.
Comments from Participants in the 2023 Session for GOA Parish Leaders:
What is the most important thing that happened to you during this ECRF program?
"It challenged me to truly think about what giving means in relation to my faith and compare it to what the fathers teach."
"I changed my outlook and perspective on the role of money in our faith. I am now more bold in asking."
"I raised $10,000 using the skills from the course."
"Interaction with other participants while practicing what we learned."
"My 'thinking' of religious fundraising/giving/stewardship is much greater. I look at it differently (better, more accurately) now."
What do you feel you gained through your investment of time with this ECRF program?
"More confidence in fundraising and time to compare the topic of giving with Orthodox Christian Ancient Tradition."
"A better understanding of how theology can inform fundraising."
"How to plan and carry out a fundraising program."
"To learn a more tactical approach to religious fund raising"
"Confidence to create a plan in our parish for both stewardship in general, and the ability to ask for major gifts."
Additional comments are welcome.
"I was very happy with the course."
"Will highly recommend to course to other colleagues and peers."
"100% worth the time. The variety of students, priests and lay, and from across the country was a big bonus."
