The Moving Forward in Faith and Hope capital campaign for the Diocese of Davenport has raised $16.3 million in gifts and pledges toward its $22 million goal.
Community Counseling Services, the professional development firm overseeing the diocese’s fundraising effort, said there’s plenty of excitement as Bloc II parishes and entities — 44 all together — gear up for the final stages of the campaign.
Some donors say that the generosity of the diocese’s 102 priests — who committed to giving $1 million toward the campaign — has influenced their own desire to contribute to the well being of the diocese and parishes.
Funds from the capital campaign will cover the purchase and renovation of diocesan headquarters in Davenport as well as support clergy, seminarians, schools, parishes and diocesan ministries. Each parish also will receive 20 percent of the funds it raises toward its target goal and 50 percent of any overage.
The campaign, which began last year with five pilot projects, is the first in more than 20 years for the diocese. Thirty parishes, referred to as Bloc I, are wrapping up their campaigns. Bloc II parishes and entities began their campaigns after Easter. The campaign will conclude at the end of June.