This is an exciting time for the Fatima Shrine. We are preparing to launch a significant effort to enhance our facilities. In the coming weeks, we will begin a pre-campaign study as part of the initial planning for a potential capital campaign. To conduct this study, we have retained the services of Ruotolo Associates Inc. of Ridgewood, NJ, a national firm with 45 years of experience working with Catholic organizations like ours.

The study will assist us in determining the best course of action to proceed with the proposed projects and our parish’s feasibility to engage in a project like this. Every family will have an opportunity to participate in the pre-campaign study. Ruotolo Associates will be conducting personal interviews, focus groups, and a survey to gather your thoughts and feedback. I encourage everyone to participate when called upon – your opinions are very important to us as we look to the future. A high participation rate is extremely important in determining the next steps.

The study will begin in mid October. Next weekend, there will be more information with a FAQ page on the pre-campaign study and Ruotolo Associates. We hope this will help you better understand the methodology and timetable for this process.

I look forward to hearing your ideas about our Shrine. Thank you.

BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL
SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA
Pre-Campaign Study: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a pre-campaign study?
   A pre-campaign study is a thorough and detailed assessment of a community’s willingness and capacity to move forward with a capital fundraising endeavor.
2. Why do we need a pre-campaign study?
   It is imperative for any organization that wishes to have a capital campaign to raise funds for major capital improvements to conduct a pre-campaign (feasibility) study to determine if friends, visitors, and benefactors are willing and able to support it. The final report will validate the proposed projects and legitimize the effort amongst the community.
3. What types of questions are asked?
   Ultimately, the pre-campaign study tells us who we are as a Shrine. Topics will include the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and its leadership, receptivity toward the proposed projects, willingness to make a pledge commitment, and willingness to volunteer for the campaign.
4. Who participates in the pre-campaign study?
   EVERY family will be given a chance to participate. Some families will be asked to participate in one-on-one interviews or focus groups, and ALL families will be asked to complete a survey available both electronically and in-pew.
5. Why are some families asked to interview or attend a focus group?
   Families that have been involved for a long period of time, are involved in leadership, or are very supportive of the Shrine, are asked to interview because they are generally able to provide thorough and detailed information about the history, current issues, and are usually able to properly evaluate necessary leadership potential in a capital campaign.
6. Who is conducting the pre-campaign study?
   Ruotolo Associates, a philanthropic consulting firm based in Ridgewood, NJ, with over 45 years of experience working with Catholic organizations, has been retained to conduct the study. We determined that Ruotolo Associates’ methodology best matched the needs of our community.
7. How long will the pre-campaign study take, and will we see the results?
   The study will be conducted in October and November. The report will be presented in December. After the final report is presented, an update on the status of the capital campaign will be provided to all.

UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HERE !!!