Catholics in Fundraising hosts Summer seminar and reception

Image: CIF

Catholics in Fundraising (CiF) welcomed fundraisers and charity leaders from across the Catholic sector to a summer seminar and reception hosted at Cazenove Capital in the City of London. Held on Thursday 7 May 2026, the event explored how Catholic teaching can inform a more holistic and integrated approach to wealth, philanthropy, and stewardship.

The seminar, titled: 'Catholic Generosity - where wealth and faith meet,' featured contributions from Fr Keith McMillan SJ, John Green, and Tom Fitzgerald O'Connor, each offering reflections on how fundraising sits within a wider moral and spiritual framework.

Opening the evening, John Green, Chairman of Catholics in Fundraising, set out a vision of fundraising that goes beyond transactional giving, positioning it within a broader Catholic understanding of wealth as vocation and responsibility.

Speakers highlighted that generosity cannot be separated from how wealth is created, invested, and stewarded. Drawing on recent Church teaching, including Mensuram Bonum, the discussion emphasised that capital is not morally neutral, but should be aligned with the Gospel and the common good.

The seminar also explored the relationship between philanthropy, taxation, and civic responsibility, drawing on the recent publication Render unto Caesar. Participants reflected on the role fundraisers play at the intersection of faith, economic life, and moral responsibility.

Throughout the evening, a consistent theme emerged: the need to move from a transactional model of fundraising towards a relational one rooted in encounter, stewardship, and spiritual discernment.

As highlighted in the discussion, a coherent Catholic vision of wealth and purpose enables fundraisers to engage more authentically with supporters by seeing the whole person, rather than focusing narrowly on charitable giving alone.

Central to this vision was the idea of "the good steward", in which wealth is understood not simply as something to manage, but as something entrusted, to be used, invested, and given in a way that reflects faith, responsibility, and care for others.

Suzanne Wheeler, Trustee of Catholics in Fundraising, said: "This seminar captured something essential for our sector. Fundraising, at its best, is not about transactions, but about helping people live out their responsibilities as good stewards, holding together their faith, their resources, and their concern for others in a coherent and meaningful way."

Catholics in Fundraising expressed its gratitude to Cazenove Capital for hosting the event.

The seminar forms part of CiF's wider programme of events, research, and sector development, including the forthcoming Catholic Generosity Report, which aims to provide deeper insight into giving patterns and strengthen the sector's long-term resilience.

About Catholics in Fundraising

Catholics in Fundraising is the UK's leading network for Catholics working in fundraising. It aims to build a strong community of like-minded individuals, offer insights into best practices, and encourage innovative approaches to fundraising within the Catholic context. Twitter @cathfundraising - email john@catholicsinfundraising.com