Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church and School

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church and School in Newport Beach, California, has long relied on strategic planning to address parish needs and prepare for the future. A decade ago, the parish expanded its school. In 2012, it opened a new church. But the growing parish, which has more than 4,500 families and a school enrollment of over 400, had work left in its master plan. Priorities included construction of an 11,000-square-foot athletics and activities center. Because the parish lacked such a center, many prospective families chose other schools for their children. Other priorities were a community room and courtyard, and the addition of a children’s nursery. The parish also wanted to add its first pipe organ to the church and provide money to parishes in need. With support from the Diocese of Orange, the parish partnered with the Steier Group on a major fundraising effort. Communication is key with any fundraising effort, and the Steier Group’s strategy included a donor newsletter emailed to all parish and school families, and capital campaign videos to encourage support and highlight campaign goals. The campaign raised $7.9 million toward the parish’s important goals.