Opening Reflection
As we approach the season of gratitude and giving, our Catholic schools and parishes often reflect on the many blessings received throughout the year—and the role each member of our community plays in advancing the mission. Year-end giving is more than a tradition; it is a vital opportunity to invite everyone to invest in the values and vision we hold dear.
The Value of Inviting Year-End Gifts
Belonging Before Inviting
People support what they belong to. When we personally invite parish and school families to consider a year-end gift, it’s not just about raising funds—it’s about deepening their involvement in our shared mission.
Mission Matters Most
Every gift supports our core ministry—to form disciples, inspire young minds, and serve our community. A year-end gift fuels programs, enhances facilities, and supports families in need.
Encouraging All Gifts
Our approach is an invitation, not an obligation. Gifts of prayer, service, and financial support are all meaningful responses. Everyone has a place and a role!
Gratitude and Relationship
These invitations offer a moment to thank supporters, share progress, and communicate hope for the future. We don’t just want gifts—we want long-lasting, life-giving relationships.
Best Practices When Inviting Year-End Gifts
- Personalize communication—One-size-fits-all letters rarely inspire. Add a handwritten note or a personal phone call for key supporters.
- Show impact—Explain how last year’s year-end gifts made a difference (testimony, a small story, or a brief update).
- Invite all three gifts—Prayer, service, and financial participation.
- Use invitational language—Replace obligation-based requests with genuinely invitational words (see sample letter).
Sample Letter and Tips for Leaders
Dear (Name of person/people),
As we move from the Thanksgiving Holidays into the Season of Advent, all of us here at (name of school) have so much for which to be thankful. We have been blessed with such wonderful families who have supported us through the years; our programs (organizations/activities/events) are wide and varied and serve many people; (Name 2-3 assets or impressive areas of the school).
Despite all of our blessings, we still have much to do. As the poem written for Archbishop Oscar Romero once said, “We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development.” Our journey continues.
As the end of the year approaches, there are some of our families who always want to know what they can financially do for (name of institution) so that we can continue to “lay foundations.” I do invite you to consider a year end gift to (name of school/parish). This type of gift may have tax advantages for you; it may be that you need to make your charitable contributions for 2025, or you just may want to financially give back more than you have in the past – as your gift to (name of school/parish). Whatever the reason, we would like to offer this opportunity by providing a return envelope and extending this invitation to you. We plan to use year-end gifts to (state 2-3 positive, agreeable items where you would plan to use some of the money).
Thank you for considering (name of school/parish) in your year-end thoughts and plans.
Yours in Christ,
__________________________
Pastor/President/Principal/Head of School
P.S. (Name of person/people), I look forward to personally wishing you a most joyous Holiday Season. Thank you for considering my invitation.
Tips for Leaders When Making the Invitation
- Be genuine—Speak from the heart. Invite, don’t pressure.
- Explain the vision—Share a specific need or goal for the coming year.
- Include return instructions—Make responding easy and clear.
- Follow up—A thank you call, email, or note goes a long way.
Closing Thought
As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, let’s remember: development is about people, not just dollars. When we invite others to pray, serve, and give, we build up the Kingdom of God—one relationship at a time.
This post was written by Frank Donaldson, Founder and President of ISPD, a national leader in Catholic school and parish development.
