Empowering Catholic Missions in India: A strategic training in project management and fundraising

“The sea is full of fish, but it all depends on the nets and boats you use for fishing,” remarked Fr. Lord Winner CMF during a one-day training program on Project Management and Fundraising at Don Bosco Provincial House, Odxel, Taleigao, Goa, India, on August 11.

This event, designed for congregations actively engaged in mission work, aimed to provide a foundational understanding of the Philanthropic Development System, essential for sustainable project writing, management, and fundraising.

The program was organized by members of Spring Rain Global (SRG) Consultancy, a Philippines-based organization with offices in the USA and Singapore that collaborates with faith-based organizations worldwide.

The training was led by Fr. Lord Winner CMF, the General Mission Procurator of the Claretians, General Curia, Rome. Specializing in Project Management, Fundraising, and Organizational Development, Fr. Winner shared his extensive experience through various sessions.

He covered essential topics such as the basics of project management, securing funding from Catholic donor agencies for pastoral and social projects, and navigating different funding channels.

Fr. Winner provided a brief historical overview of Catholic mission funding, tracing it back to European missionaries who, with colonial support, funded missions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to compliance requirements and completing projects within the specified time frames.

“Projects are vital tools for supporting the apostolates of a congregation,” Fr. Winner explained, highlighting their role in areas such as education, health, social development, renewable energy, and disaster management.

He also stressed that projects can be instrumental in launching new ministries aligned with contemporary needs, such as aiding victims of trafficking and HIV/AIDS, as well as in supporting the formation and specialization of religious personnel, leading to financial sustainability.

The training program was an outcome of the SRG 8th Asian Philanthropic Development Conference (APDC), held from July 24-26, 2024, at the Amari Watergate Bangkok Hotel, Thailand.

The conference aimed to empower social purpose organizations toward sustainability. Goa's SRG members—Rev. Bro. Prem Sagar, SG; Rev. Fr. Francs Silveira, SDB; and Rev. Sr. Berna, SFN—who attended the conference—were inspired to bring this initiative to their local congregations.

Prem Sagar reflected on the significance of SRG’s development in Goa, describing it as a unifying effort for religious congregations.

He recounted how they connected with Fr. Winner, who was instrumental in linking them with funding agencies, and how they requested his assistance in Goa to guide congregations in re-engaging with Catholic funding agencies and enhancing their expertise in project management.

“This initiative is just the beginning,” Sagar stated. “Project management and securing project proposals linked to funding agencies is a long-term process. We aim to establish Philanthropic Development Offices (PDOs) across provinces and congregations, ensuring they develop their systems for connecting with funding agencies. Success depends on the missions and the effectiveness of project implementation for local causes.”

Sagar expressed hope that the initiative would ultimately secure adequate funds for mission work. He emphasized the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among congregations with shared charisms and mission focuses, such as aiding widows, youth, and victims of human trafficking.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with Spring Rain Global.

Reflecting on the Synodality movement within the Catholic Church, Sagar noted that this initiative aligns with the broader goal of fostering collaboration, not only among Catholic organizations but also with other faith-based groups dedicated to serving those in need.

The training program was attended by 35 participants from various congregations, including the Salesians of Don Bosco, Montfort Brothers, Congregation of Holy Family Sisters, Congregation of Handmaids of Christ, Canossian Daughters of Charity, Missionary Society of Our Lady of Pilar, Poor Sisters of Our Lady, Religious of Jesus Mary, Society of Jesus Mary Joseph, Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles, Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod, and Presentation Sisters.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the insightful and enriching training. They highlighted key takeaways, such as understanding the differences between pastoral and social projects, the phases of project management, the importance of regular reporting, and the necessity of pre-planning and surveys before project initiation.

As Sr. Crina SFN aptly summarized, “A project is a planned activity within a given time frame, aiming to bring about a desired change through the use of allotted resources.”

The program concluded with Sr. Crina expressing gratitude on behalf of the participants and SRG members, reinforcing the significance of thoughtful preparation and the invaluable guidance provided during the training.