Catholic fundraisers gather to strengthen mission and stewardship across the Church

Image: CiF

Charity leaders, fundraisers and advisers gathered on Tuesday 9th June at Amigo Hall, St George's Cathedral, London for the Catholics in Fundraising Conference 2026, an annual national event focused on strengthening philanthropy, stewardship and mission across the Church in Great Britain.

The one-day conference brought together over 120 experts in economics, media, law and fundraising to explore the changing landscape of giving, and how Catholic organisations can respond with confidence and clarity. Various opportunities for growth were identified, including philanthropy, legacy giving and in-memory giving, and delegates were reminded of recent changes to the regulatory environment governing fundraising.

Opening with prayer led by Deacon Javier Elderfield, Cathedral Administrator, the programme featured keynote contributions on global economic trends affecting charitable giving, the role of charity in contemporary society, and strategic approaches to Catholic fundraising in a changing environment.

Speakers included Paul Gait, who examined the global economic outlook; Emily Buchanan of BBC Radio 4, who reflected on the enduring need for charity; and Marie Hélène Paire, who set out practical steps for Catholic leaders to strengthen fundraising through mission-led strategy.

The conference also featured the presentation of findings from the Catholic Generosity Report 2025, alongside legal updates for fundraisers and practical workshops on donor engagement, recruitment and new giving technologies.

In the afternoon, delegates took part in specialist workshops covering topics such as contactless giving, donor communications, and developing sustainable pipelines for major gifts, before concluding with choral Vespers in the Cathedral and a networking reception.

Trustee Matt Parkes said: "This conference reflects a growing recognition that fundraising in the Church is not simply about income, but about mission, participation and stewardship. Catholic organisations have deep reserves of trust, faith and community, and when these are brought together with professional expertise, there is real opportunity to renew and strengthen the Church's charitable work for the years ahead."

The event forms part of Catholics in Fundraising's wider work to support Catholic charities, dioceses and religious orders in developing effective, mission-aligned fundraising, and to provide research and thought leadership for the sector.

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.