Synodality and Generosity: A Renewed Vision for Catholic Giving

The Catholic Church is undergoing a quiet evolution. The?Synod on Synodality, concluded in October 2024, is shaping how the Church defines leadership, participation, and mission. But beyond the headlines about lay involvement and governance reform lies a subtle but transformative shift in how the Church thinks about generosity—and by extension, fundraising.

The Synod’s focus on?communion, participation, and mission?offers a fresh lens for Catholic fundraising, reframing it as a relational, spiritual endeavor rather than a transactional necessity. For Catholic organizations reliant on philanthropy, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges in navigating a post-pandemic world where donor expectations are higher than ever.

Generosity as a Mirror of Mission:

The Synod on Synodality calls the Church to a deeper sense of?koinonia, or fellowship, a Greek term that underscores shared mission and communion. This is not an abstract theological concept. It has profound implications for how the Church approaches its funding efforts.

In essence, the Synod challenges Catholic institutions to reimagine generosity as something more than financial stewardship. It positions giving as a spiritual act—one that connects donors to the life and mission of the Church in a way that transcends monetary value.

This perspective isn’t just aspirational. It’s strategic. When donors see their gift as integral to the Church’s mission—not just funding it—they feel a deeper connection.

Listening Is the New Asking:

The Synod placed a significant emphasis on?listening and accompaniment—principles that, when applied to fundraising, could redefine donor relations.

In a world increasingly skeptical of large institutions, donors—especially Millennials and Generation Z—demand more transparency and personal engagement. They’re not writing checks simply because they’re Catholic; they want to know how their dollars are making an impact. Fundraisers are now tasked with creating partnerships rather than simply making “the ask.”

What does this look like in practice??

1. Engaging Conversations: Fundraisers must prioritize conversations over presentations. Donors want to be heard, not sold to.
2. Accompaniment Beyond the Pledge: Long after a check is written, Catholic organizations must accompany donors, showing how their contributions are transforming lives and advancing the Church’s mission.

?Donors today are investors. They want measurable results, but they also want to feel like part of the story.

?The Challenge of Transparency:

One of the Synod’s most significant recommendations is the integration of lay participation in decision-making processes. For fundraising, this emphasis on collaboration and transparency is both a gift and a challenge.

On one hand, greater transparency can bolster donor trust—a critical currency in today’s philanthropic environment. On the other, implementing robust accountability measures requires resources and cultural shifts that some Catholic organizations and churches may not be prepared for.

Transparency is no longer optional. Donors want to see impact reports, budgets, and governance structures that reflect their values. If transparency is not provided, donors will take their generosity elsewhere.

Missionary Spirit Meets Modern Philanthropy:

The Synod also calls for a more outward-facing,?missionary orientation—a challenge to move beyond the Church’s walls to engage the broader world. This vision aligns with what many donors today expect: campaigns that resonate with their desire to make a tangible difference.

Catholic organizations would do well to highlight global and local initiatives that address pressing issues such as poverty, education, and environmental stewardship. These causes align with both the Synod’s mission and the values of younger donors, who are increasingly motivated by social impact.

Digital platforms also present untapped potential. Despite the Church’s slow embrace of technology, the Synod’s call for digital evangelization could revolutionize fundraising. Virtual events, targeted social media campaigns, and online giving platforms can reach new audiences, particularly among younger Catholics who may not be regular Mass attendees but are committed to the Church’s social mission.

Generosity: A Path to Renewal

Perhaps the most profound message from the Synod is that generosity is not a burden but a gift—a way for the faithful to participate in the Church’s mission. For Catholic fundraisers, this means shifting the narrative from obligation to opportunity.

Practical Steps for Fundraisers:

1. Center Campaigns on Gratitude: Start every appeal by expressing gratitude for the blessings already received. Donors respond better to positivity than pressure.
2. Tell Compelling Stories: Highlight how generosity has transformed lives, from the parish level to global missions. Stories resonate more deeply than statistics.
3. Invest in Relationships: Move beyond one-time gifts by cultivating long-term donor relationships rooted in shared faith and values.

A New Era for Catholic Philanthropy

The Synod on Synodality has charted a bold course for the Church, one that redefines leadership, community, and mission. For Catholic fundraisers, it is a call to align their efforts with these principles, creating campaigns that are transparent, relational, and mission-driven.

In a time of cultural and economic uncertainty, generosity remains a beacon of hope and renewal. By embracing the Synod’s vision, Catholic organizations can inspire not just donations, but discipleship—inviting the faithful to join in a shared mission that reflects the very heart of the Gospel.

As Pope Francis reminds us, “Generosity leads us to the heart of the Gospel: to love God and neighbor as ourselves.” Fundraisers have a unique role in making that love tangible, building a Church that thrives not on scarcity, but on the abundance of God’s grace.

About the Author: Patrick Diener is VP of Sursum Consulting and Founding Director of the Institute for Catholic Philanthropy at University of Mary. He has raised over $500M for capital campaigns and nonprofit initiatives worldwide.