The Office of Development coordinates fundraising efforts throughout the Diocese of Saint Petersburg for parishes, schools, and diocesan entities. The Office manages and provides guidance for the Catholic Ministry Appeal, capital campaigns, offertory enhancement initiatives, database management, and other development and fundraising activities. The Office works closely with parishes, schools, and diocesan entities to plan and coordinate fundraising initiatives and assists them through the diocesan review and approval process for fundraising feasibility studies and capital campaigns. The Office also provides consultation and support on donor outreach strategy, campaign planning, donor communications, consultant agency selection, and development best practices.
The Giving Challenge is our annual fundraising effort to raise capital for the Community Impact Grant Program. This program, administered by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, offers grants to diocesan, parish and school programs Courageously Living the Gospel through:
- innovative youth ministry and young adult programs
- evangelization efforts to assist in spreading the Good News
- serving Christ by serving others
- supporting families seeking a Catholic school education for their children
- Ministries funded through the appeal
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- The Mater Dei Giving Society
- Make a gift to the Catholic Ministry Appeal!
In appreciation for those who have supported our mission in exemplary ways, Bishop Parkes launched the Mater Dei Giving Society on November 9, 2020 at a special live stream event featuring evening prayer and conversation. Named in honor of our Blessed Mother, the Mater Dei Giving Society recognizes those helping our diocese put our faith into action.
Each year, the Office of Development produces the Annual Report, affirming our commitment to transparency, holding ourselves accountable to those we serve and to those who support our ministries, programs, services and operations.