Services from the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota

The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota partners with parishes, schools, cemeteries, and Catholic organizations to expand capacity, strengthen stewardship, and support long-term sustainability. We bring experience, perspective, and practical support so you can focus on mission while planning confidently for the future.

Think of us as an extension of your team. We offer guidance, tools, and tailored solutions rooted in Catholic values, local understanding, and a genuine desire to make your work easier, not add more to your plate.

An Extension of Your Team

Across our diocese, parish, cemetery, and school leaders like you are carrying an extraordinary responsibility. You are making financial decisions at a time marked by economic uncertainty, shifting donor behavior, and growing demands on your resources. We are here to help you navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence.

Our role is to provide strategic insight, hands-on support, and faith-centered best practices that respect your time, honor your mission, and help you move forward thoughtfully.

Services offered by the Catholic Foundation of Southern MN

Feasibility Studies and Financial Planning

Before launching a major initiative, it is important to understand readiness, capacity, and priorities. We conduct feasibility studies and strategic planning engagements that help organizations assess where they are and clarify what comes next.

This work is led by Kim Synder and our experienced team, combining deep knowledge of non-profit philanthropy with a strong understanding of Southern Minnesota communities. Feasibility studies offer clear insight into donor capacity, parish engagement, and organizational readiness. Strategic planning helps translate vision into practical, achievable next steps that leadership can move forward with confidence.

Capital Campaigns

We offer capital campaign support designed to meet organizations where they are. Whether you need comprehensive guidance or just a little assistance, our approach is flexible and collaborative.

Organizations may choose:

Full-service, end-to-end campaign management
A la carte support for specific phases or challenges

From early planning and case development to leadership engagement, donor strategy, and execution, we provide scalable support that respects your structure, timeline, and internal capacity.

Stewardship Education

Stewardship is more than fundraising. It is a way of living out faith through gratitude, generosity, and participation in mission.

Partnering with some of the most inspiring clergy in our diocese, we provide stewardship education that helps leaders, staff, and volunteers build a culture of generosity that supports long-term vitality. Our approach emphasizes simple messaging, meaningful engagement, and practical tools that encourage year-round stewardship rather than transactional giving.

Investment and Philanthropy Training

We offer training and education focused on Catholic investing and philanthropy best practices, designed specifically for parish, school, and cemetery leaders and financial decision-makers.

Each session offers practical, mission‑aligned guidance on investing, philanthropy, and parish resource management, rooted in Catholic teaching and tailored to the realities you face today such as:.

Faith-aligned investment principles and investment screens
Current investment market - issues and opportunities
Current landscape of non-profit and Catholic giving
Differentiating your parish mission amid competing appeals
Major gift donor engagement and legacy giving
Building a compelling case for support

Our first series of no-cost public seminars launches in March 2026. Learn more here. Trainings can also be customized for boards, finance councils, staff, or leadership teams.

Legacy Planning Seminars

Allow us to use your space and we'll host a no-cost legacy planning seminar. Led by our planned giving advisor and supported by a local attorney or financial planner, we have a standard educational agenda tailored towards parishioners. Planning for the future, especially at end of life, can be scary. But it can also be an act of love, responsibility and faith. We help simplify the process and dispel common myths so that together we can build an everlasting legacy of Catholicism in Southern Minnesota. Learn more about a recent seminar here or contact us today to have a seminar hosted at your local.

Custom Consulting Solutions

Some challenges require a more tailored approach. We work closely with organizations to design bespoke consulting solutions based on real needs, real constraints, and your real-world experience.

Case Study: St. Felix Parish & School in Wabasha, MN

St. Felix faced specific challenges that required focused support. We partnered with their leadership to identify core needs and develop a customized strategy. By aligning resources, expertise, and implementation support, we helped the parish move forward with clarity and confidence.

Thought Leadership and Resources

We share knowledge and inspiration to support Catholic organizations across Southern Minnesota. Through our blog, videos, Facebook and X.com content, we highlight:

Practical insights that can be applied locally
Examples of effective stewardship in action
Impact and ministry stories

These resources are designed to help organizations learn from approaches that have worked in communities like their own and celebrate the good in Southern Minnesota.

New Paths for Catholic Stewardship in 2026

We are actively shaping new paths for Catholic stewardship in Southern Minnesota. Our services continue to evolve in response to emerging needs, changing donor expectations, and a shared commitment to strengthening the Church for the future.

Is there is an area where you need support or simply want to learn more? We welcome the conversation.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Whether you need strategic planning, campaign support, education, or a custom solution, we are here to help. Our goal is to support your mission, respect your time, and lighten your administrative load.

Contact the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota

Phone: 507-218-4098

Email: info@catholicfsmn.org