In this episode of Twelve Wicker Baskets, host Christopher Beaudet welcomes Audrey Kintzi, vice president emerita for advancement and executive director of the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program at St. Mary's University of Minnesota. The conversation explores the art and spirituality of fundraising, emphasizing that true development work is rooted in relationship, shared values and the joy of giving. Audrey Kintzi shares her journey from drama major to fundraising expert, recounting formative experiences and lessons from her mentor, Hank Rosso, who taught that “Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching people the joy of giving.” The episode delves into how philanthropy, especially in faith-based settings, is not about transactional requests but about inviting others into meaningful engagement with a mission. She advocates for replacing the word “fundraising” with “invitation,” explaining, “We are inviting people into our organization... and ultimately, we invite them to prayerfully consider a gift.” Closing with reflections on the joy and blessing of giving, and the transformative impact of nurturing relationships and shared purpose in philanthropy, this is an episode you wont want to miss!

Guest: Audrey Kintzi

Title: Vice President, Emerita for Advancement and Executive Director of the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development Program, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

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This special Thanksgiving edition of Twelve Wicker Baskets features voices from across the Steier Group expressing gratitude for the partnerships and communities we've served in campaigns. Opening with a reading of the first Thanksgiving Proclamation by President George Washington, host Christopher Beaudet sets the tone for the following expressions of gratitude. Team members share heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to work with parishes, schools, and volunteers, highlighting meaningful campaigns, personal growth, and the deep sense of community and faith encountered in their work. With a message of appreciation for all partners and listeners, this episode emphasizes the transformative impact of stewardship. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Katherine Coolidge from the Catherine of Siena Institute enjoys a conversation on Twelve Wicker Baskets on the importance of intentional discipleship and stewardship in parish communities. Katherine shares her experience in parish ministry and her work with the Institute, highlighting programs like Ananias Training and the Called and Gifted Discernment Process. These initiatives help parishioners identify and share their spiritual gifts, fostering a culture where generosity and mission are rooted in a personal relationship with God. She emphasizes that stewardship should move beyond transactional giving, encouraging parish leaders to inspire deeper engagement through prayerful discernment, storytelling, and communal responsibility. As Katherine explains, “For us to be able to take care of that, we have to cast a broader and deeper vision for our people and call them into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Because it’s when they’re walking with Jesus that they can begin to grasp John Paul II’s vision…ultimately we are called to bear fruit and it’s not just taking care of those things that are closest to us, but it’s also being there for the sake of the world.”

Katherine also addresses practical challenges in fundraising and parish leadership, advocating for transparency and a clear sense of mission to build trust and support. Sharing examples of parishes that have successfully cultivated stewardship, she includes stories of sacrificial giving and community impact. Storytelling is highlighted as a powerful tool for connecting parishioners to the transformative work of the church.

Guest: Katherine Coolidge
Title: Director, Parish and Diocesan Services, Catherine of Siena Institute

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To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.