Catholic Stories

“I was impressed by the Steier Group’s flexibility. We strive to live stewardship as a way of life across our diocese, and so we knew that we needed a firm that could modify their approach to fit our specific needs. From conversations with colleagues across the country I know that this is not always the case. The Steier Group listened to what we wanted and delivered an outside-the-box plan that worked for us.”

MIke WescottDirector of Development and Planned Giving for Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Kansas

“Ultimately, your decision on campaign counsel will have a significant impact on your ability to reach your campaign goals, both financial and non-monetary. The Steier Group separated themselves from the other firms in the quality of the individuals who serve as consultants for the company. Their Catholicity, professionalism and work ethic have translated into success for our diocese, and I would recommend that you consider them for your fundraising needs.”

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-HoustonFormer Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa

“The Steier Group produced and handled every aspect of the campaign, including the production of campaign materials, grant writing and creation of our campaign website. Our campaign manager helped execute a well thought-out plan, worked closely with the campaign volunteers, and kept us on track throughout the process. A comprehensive communications plan was developed and materials created to communicate with our parishioners. All were thorough and well done.”

Msgr. Edward L. BueltPastor of Our Lady of Loreto in Foxfield, Colorado

“After a great deal of planning, the Archdiocese of Omaha decided to embark on a capital campaign to strengthen our schools and parishes. As we considered various professional firms to help us with the campaign, we concluded that the Steier Group was best positioned to help us run a successful campaign. We are pleased with the work of the Steier Group, and I am proud to share that we are well on our way to achieving our campaign goals. The Steier Group has shown the experience and the ability to rally our priests and parishioners toward a common goal. They are helping us to ignite the faith of our Catholic community.”

Most Reverend George J. LucasArchbishop for the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska

“We retained the services of the Steier Group to help implement a “combined campaign,” one that would meet our obligations to the Archdiocese while also garnering support for our parish’s ambitious projects. Steier’s campaign team tailored their approach, focusing first on a comprehensive communications and cultivation phase. That was followed by a thorough solicitation approach to all parish and school families.”

Rev. Tom BauwensPastor of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska

“Based on our feasibility study, other firms would have recommended we proceed with a typical all-parish capital campaign. The Steier Group did not. Instead, they guided us through a year-long process that took a hard look at our plans aimed at building greater ownership among our clergy and lay leaders. This was wise counsel for us. As a result, I believe, we are now positioned for success that we would not otherwise have had.”

Archbishop Joseph F. NaumannArchdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

“The Steier Group adapted and customized a campaign plan that was specific to our parish. The plan took into consideration our small-town approach and close-knit community. Our campaign manager listened to our needs and our initial questions were met with a sincerity I don’t think we could find with another firm.”

Rev. Bennet TranPastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church and School in Waconia, Minnesota

“The caliber of their people professionally and personally set the tone for a quality project. I have great confidence in recommending this firm to my fellow clergy and their staffs.”

Most Rev. John G. VlaznyApostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

“I could not be more pleased with the work that we have accomplished. Throughout the planning study and the campaign, the campaign manager and client services director were respectful of the culture of St. Austin’s urban location near the University of Texas and the unique challenges and opportunities that posed, and their approach was specifically tailored to meet our needs.”

Jennifer A. AndersonDirector of Development and Communications for St. Austin Catholic Parish in Austin, Texas

“Their campaign plan was not something canned and inflexible – it was a personal and collaborative effort that engaged our pastors and our parishioners and proved extremely successful.”

Shannan M. BrommerDirector, Stewardship and Development Office of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska

“At the recommendation of the diocese, we interviewed a number of professional firms. We ended up selecting the Steier Group to run our feasibility and capital campaign – and it was the best decision we ever made. We truly believe our campaign was such a success because of how the Steier Group was able to organize us into a single, coherent team. Everything went more smoothly than I ever could have imagined. We raised far more money with the Steier Group than we ever could have on our own, and more than that, our volunteers actually had fun!”

Rev. Ranjan CletusPastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Temple, Texas

“Early on, our diocese recognized that our previous campaign, while successful in securing funds, created some tensions. It overwhelmed pastors and parish staff, and many people who were financially supportive had unfavorable experiences. It was important to me to find fundraising consultants that could not only raise money, but who would help us heal these wounds and unite the Catholics in our diocese. We found that firm in the Steier Group. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from pastors about the Steier Group. The Steier Group approach was embraced by the people in our diocese and proved to be extremely effective.”

Joel HennessyDirector of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Winona, Minnesota

“The Steier Group has wonderful support staff who works extremely well with the on-site consultant. The art and graphics department is exceptional. Our appeal was successful because of the very high energy of the Steier team. Their enthusiasm and hard work inspired us.”

Rev. Dan SpexarthPastor of Saint Catherine of Siena in Wichita, Kansas

“I admit I was one of the biggest skeptics. When my parish first started discussing the need for a capital campaign, I was against hiring a consultant. I advocated that we should run the campaign ourselves. Well, my misgivings quickly changed. Having served as general chair of the campaign, I can tell you that the Steier Group impressed me with every aspect. This group is not your standard fare of consultants – the kind who like to offer advice on how to do things and then leave town. Instead, the Steier Group provided a full-time campaign manager who worked tirelessly to provide a detailed, compelling and successful campaign for our parish.”

Patrick J. HanrahanCampaign chair for Church of the Magdalen in Wichita, Kansas

“The Steier Group provided the blueprint for a campaign that has defied economic obstacles, overcome volunteer fatigue and set a course for success. The depth and breadth of your services were key to us in achieving such a stellar response. Your firm provided on-site consultation, volunteer training, copywriting, wealth management consultation, graphic design support, grant and foundation advice, and most importantly a host of professionals who responded to our every need.”

Kim CalkinsFormer Development Director of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Lake Oswego, Oregon