2026 fundraising predictions for Catholic parishes, dioceses, charities and schools

John Green

As the Catholic Church enters 2026, parishes, dioceses, charities, and schools face a landscape shaped by global economic resilience, new Church leadership, and evolving donor expectations. Building on the momentum of the Jubilee year and insights from 2025, Catholics in Fundraising offers strategic predictions and recommendations for the year ahead.

1. Global Economic Tailwinds and International Opportunity

With the global economy forecast to post sturdy growth in 2026, UK Catholic organisations that can look beyond domestic borders mustn't miss this opportunity. Cultivating relationships with overseas donors, especially in the US, where Catholic philanthropy remains robust, will be essential to supporting the Church's mission here.

2. New Leadership, New Impetus

2026 marks a historic moment for the Church: a new Pope, a new Archbishop of Westminster, and most British episcopal sees filled. Pope Leo's first encyclical, Dilexi Te, illustrates his likely emphasis on the just application of wealth. The new President of the England and Wales Episcopal Conference, with experience as chair of the department for social justice, brings focus on Church charities and their role in the new evangelisation. This leadership transition offers hope for new teaching and energy around the right use of wealth, generosity, and ensuring Catholic charities collaborate better.

3. UK Fundraising Context: Navigating Challenges

The UK fundraising environment remains challenging, with a continued drop in individual giving and cost-of-living pressures squeezing parishioners' ability to give. However, legacy giving remains strong. Membership of Your Catholic Legacy, which grew out of Catholics in Fundraising, continues to deliver long-term benefits for Catholic institutions. The upcoming Catholic Generosity report, commissioned by Catholics in Fundraising, which will be published at the Catholics in Fundraising June conference at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, is expected to provide valuable insights and bolster grant-giving opportunities.

4. Digital Innovation and Security

Digital fundraising remains vital. Charities that invest in digital expertise, both to prevent cyber-attacks and to harness data for intelligent giving propositions will increase income and make giving as easy as the supermarket transaction experience. A good number of parishes still lack contactless giving or fail to use it to its full potential. In 2026, Catholic charities must ensure their digital giving experience is as good as, if not better than, secular counterparts. Robust cybersecurity and data-driven engagement will be key to building donor trust and reducing administrative burdens.

5. Collaboration and Community

Collaboration between Catholic charities is more important than ever. By sharing resources, expertise, and data, organisations can amplify their impact and present a united front to donors. The Catholic Generosity report will, for the first time, benchmark Catholic charities and report on their collective impact. It is also increasingly important that philanthropy and investment management are aligned to maximise mission impact and reflect the joined-up interests of donors who operate in both spheres.

6. Donor Engagement, Retention, and Legacy

With economic pressures leading to fewer but larger gifts, donor retention is paramount. Catholic organisations should focus on meaningful engagement, clean data, and faith-based motivations. Trustees and governors must remain attentive to the perennial problem of mission drift for Catholic organisations, where their Catholic identity is watered down, losing their USP for alumni and Catholic-inspired donors. Legacy giving programmes, supported by research and collaboration, will remain a cornerstone of Catholic fundraising success.

7. Schools, Alumni, and the Next Generation

Catholic schools play a crucial role in faith formation and in turn fostering philanthropy. To build the necessary robust alumni networks requires recruiting development staff with Church understanding to help address funding gaps and ensure the sustainability of Catholic education and in turn rekindle/encourage weekly Mass attendance.

The challenge of VAT on independent school fees is already placing additional pressure on bursary programmes and fundraising for Catholic schools, making strategic development and alumni engagement even more critical.

Catholics in Fundraising Chairman, John Green, said: "2026 is a year of opportunity and renewal for Catholic fundraising. Our new Church leadership gives cause for optimism, now is the time to invest in digital innovation and foster collaboration so that Catholic parishes, dioceses, charities, and schools can sustain and grow their mission."

New Year's Resolution

For those in fundraising and finance for Catholic organisations, make it your New Year's resolution to sign up to the CiF Friday e-news for Catholic fundraising news, email john@catholicsinfundraising.com to be added to the circulation.

Catholics in Fundraising is the UK's leading network for Catholics working in fundraising. It builds community, shares best practices, and encourages innovation within the Catholic context.