Petrus Schools & Churches

Annual Fund Program

Designed specifically for organizations with little or no staff dedicated to development, the Petrus Annual Fund Program will allow organizations to begin the process of creating meaningful benefactor relationships with alumni, parents, and friends in the school community - a process that is the cornerstone of any sustainable fundraising program.

Recognizing that ‘back-office’ work is often the most challenging part of the fundraising process for an organization with few staff members, the Petrus Annual Fund Program provides service in the areas of database management, newsletter production and direct mail appeal distribution. 

Petrus will create fall and spring editions of a four-page, full-color, newsletter telling the story of an organization and its mission, and facilitate up to three mail appeals such as: Back to School in August/September, Christmas in November/December, and Lent in March/April. Client organizations will receive and deposit all gifts resulting from these efforts and provide all gift information to our office. Petrus staff will update the client database and acknowledge and receipt all gifts on school letterhead.

The Petrus Annual Fund Program is attractively priced and offers an affordable alternative to hiring full time staff, enabling schools, churches, parishes or other organizations of all sizes to begin a professional, sustainable fund development process without the higher cost of investing in additional staff.

Feasibility and Planning Studies

Successful fundraising campaigns are based on a strong foundation of informed and committed benefactors.  Prior to launching a campaign for new programs, facilities, or other purposes, a comprehensive feasibility and planning study process is absolutely vital.  A Feasibility and Planning Study is not solely about setting a goal for a possible campaign; it is an important way to engage potential benefactors, volunteers, and stakeholders for a campaign and excite them about the possibilities for the future.

Petrus Feasibility and Planning Studies are generally comprised of 75 - 100 confidential interviews with potential major gift benefactors, key volunteers and staff, as well as a representative sampling from various constituencies within the school, church, or organization. 

The latest in electronic survey technology is also utilized to gain information from various constituencies involved with a possible campaign.  The e-survey tool allows all those in the organization to have input into the potential campaign and, specifically for facilities projects, input into the building process. We believe that benefactors who feel they have been heard and who have a sense of ownership are much more likely to make sacrificial gifts to campaigns.

At the conclusion of the interview and survey process, Petrus Schools and Churches will provide expert evaluation of the data and recommend a course of action for the organization. In the event that a campaign is not recommended, Petrus will provide suggestions to position the school or organization for a successful campaign at a later date.

Capital Campaign Coordination

Successful campaigns provide the necessary funding for new programs, facilities, or other items identified as campaign priorities.  At Petrus, the capital campaign process is also an opportunity to set the stage for participation in annual giving programs for years to come.  Establishing new programs, constructing buildings, or even endowing staff positions is only half the battle.  Organizations must plan for future needs that will result from the successful conclusion of a capital campaign effort.

Petrus staff will guide and be actively involved in the entire campaign process.  From careful campaign planning and staff and volunteer training, to the production of quality case materials and visits to campaign prospects, Petrus will work directly with staff and volunteers to facilitate major gift visits and all levels of requests for campaign gifts. Campaign service also includes the production of mail appeals following the visit stage of the campaign and proactive involvement in the pledge acknowledgment and fulfillment process.