This article was originally printed in the Hospitallers Newsletter Volume 21 Fall 2021, Page 8.

When we said yes to Dr. Kelly’s request that we chair the American Association’s Capital Campaign, we had no idea where this would go. Our “yes” was predicated on several essential components being put into place – the support of the leadership of the Association and the Foundations and the engagement of professional support. Both of those conditions have been met, and we are making significant progress in engaging our members in the quiet phase and honing the case for support to reflect what the Capital Campaign means, its profound impact on our hands-on work, and what it is expected to deliver to the American Association.   

What Has Been Done

Phase 1

March – August 2020:

Member Outreach; Building A Case; Assembling/Engaging the Campaign Cabinet

The first step was to engage CCS, a top-tier consultant to the Catholic Community in raising funds and, more importantly, on building a foundation on which to transform the Association’s vision of philanthropy.

From March to August 2020, the Campaign was in what lawyers would call the discovery phase. By reaching out to several hundred members in various leadership groups, including Board members, Area Chairs, Chaplains, and past leaders in the Association, we found there was an opportunity to raise awareness of how the finances of the American Association were handled, how the Grants Program was funded, and how our annual contributions supported our call to serve.

Given the ongoing pandemic,  Zoom and conference calling took the place of face-to-face meetings, and a select number of members agreed to fill the roles of the Campaign Cabinet – ambassadors and champions for the Campaign and liaisons for this initiative to individual members.

Phase 2         

September 2020 – October 2021:

Quiet Phase

With the groundwork completed, the next phase, the quiet phase began. With the groundwork completed, the next phase, the quiet phase began. From September 2020 to the current moment, the campaign was involved in basic block-building: a) the critical activity of directly engaging individual members in the discussion about the case; and b) demonstrating how they might participate in the transformational work of the Campaign, raising money and transforming the culture. The quiet phase continues as this edition of the Hospitallers goes to press.

Phase 3           

July – Dececember 2021:

Member Engagement; Area Receptions

The next step in the process has been member engagement through Area receptions. A series of meetings have been held, and more have been scheduled to allow members to get an overview of the Campaign, its objectives, aspirational goals, and ask any questions they may have. This sharing of information and engagement with interested members opens the minds and hearts of members to personal follow-ups. Chaplains have been engaged and supportive at the Area receptions, including:

Phase 4           

Late 2021 – Early 2022:

Public Phase (Membership Roll Out)

The groundwork has been laid, and it is likely that in late 2021 or early 2022, we will begin the public phase of the Campaign and invite all members to join this historic effort

What Has Been Accomplished

Members Engaged at Area Level (Meeting them where they are at)

Much of the work so far has been spent engaging members, having a conversation about what is important to them, the role of the two foundations, and how the Association interacts with the two Foundations in carrying out its mission. Members shared their interests and goals; some discussions focused on how the Campaign could meet members where they are, rather than having a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Our Cardinals, Bishops, and Chaplains have also been very supportive in many Areas.  

Unprecedented Level of Giving

During the silent phase, ninety-five commitments totaling $10,000,000 have already been received, including two at $1,000,000 each. This total represents the participation of less than 1% of our membership and an average commitment of more than $100,000.

Endorsement from Significant Catholic Foundations     

The Lynch Foundation, a prominent Catholic Foundation in the Boston Area, has made a significant commitment to the Campaign. Other Family Foundations have also made meaningful commitments.

New Ministries

• A fund has been established by a member that is expected to grow to $1M to support Anti-Human Trafficking efforts, including providing members with the opportunity to be engaged in this work.

• A family foundation has provided significant funding toward purchasing and maintaining the second van in the Malta Mobile Ministry project to be deployed in New Jersey during 2021.

A lot of work has been done by dedicated people, we have generated significant momentum, and a lot more needs to be done to secure our legacy of care for the sick and the poor. We look forward to engaging all of our membership as we move forward in the Campaign.

This article was contributed by Gail and Joseph Berardino, Co-Chairs of the Capital Campaign. They welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions.