A Catholic retreat center uses donor-centered fundraising to achieve annual goals

Located in a private, natural setting just 30 minutes from Milwaukee, this lovely, modern retreat center faced diminished gift revenue due to a declining number of patrons. McDonald Schaefer recommended a more robust annual development program consisting of increased mailings, events and post-retreat appeals. A regular newsletter and retreat program mailings were established to effectively communicate program opportunities and, over the course of a year, percentage response, gift size and frequency all increased. Ultimately, a course of cultivation tactics initiated to keep major donors involved added long-term value to this unique organization’s development efforts.