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s2smodern

The networking of the European Development Offices is encouraged by the General Treasurer’s office and supported by the President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials. A first meeting took place in Drongen, Belgium, in 2018. The meetings created space for sharing good practices, learning from each other and networking. They made us feel part of the Ignatian family, strengthened cooperation and improved our understanding of fundraising in the Jesuit mission.

Therefore, last year, a new Steering Committee (Annamária Jacsó - HUN, Lucie Constant – EOF, Gražvydas Bareišis – LIT, and Herminio Rico - JCEP) was encouraged to resume these gatherings, because all earlier participants agreed that meetings are useful and inspiring.  

For the first reunion on Friday, May 7, the Steering Committee invited everyone who was actually doing practical work of fundraising at Province level. 7 Provinces were represented by Jesuits or lay professionals. During the first reunion attendees had the chance to hold a short personal and professional introduction and establish professional relationships. Our goal was to address the actual issues and topics being faced by fundraisers. 

The next online meeting was held on Friday, September 24. This time the General Treasurer, Thomas McClain SJ, based on the General's letter "On Our Benefactors and the Province's Development Offices", elaborated on the primary and secondary goals of the development offices. He helped the participants to understand clearly the language, the strategies that will enable provinces to seek donations, and focus on establishing long-term, and fruitful relationships with friends. He assured the participants about the assistance of the General Treasurer’s Office.

Daniel Villanueva SJ presented the history and the role of the Xavier Network. The participants had the chance to better understand the organization and its fundraising strategy and scope. It was concluded that the Xavier Network and the Development Offices are complementary networks of the mission and development work of the Society of Jesus. In the future the representatives of the XN and DOs will have the opportunity to help each other and create synergies.

We were very grateful for those who were able to attend the virtual meeting of the fundraisers' network. Looking forward to the future cooperation!

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s2smodern