The Challenge: Raising Funds Sustainably in Catholic Education
For many private and faith-based schools, the challenge of fundraising is both constant and critical. Tuition alone rarely covers operating costs, and schools must balance the pressure of raising additional dollars with maintaining a welcoming, mission-driven culture. At Frassati Catholic Academy in White Bear Lake, MN, the question was clear: how could the school establish sustainable, reliable fundraising without exhausting families, over-relying on small-scale efforts, or losing sight of its faith-driven mission?
The need went beyond a single event or campaign. Frassati needed a long-term fundraising identity that would resonate with the community, engage donors year after year, and provide predictable revenue to support both growth and innovation.
The Solution: Branding, Storytelling, and Community-Driven Events
The turning point came through the application of branding and storytelling principles usually reserved for businesses and nonprofits. Instead of treating each fundraiser as a one-off effort, Frassati began to think of fundraising as an extension of the school’s brand — a reflection of its mission, values, and community spirit.
Key strategies included:
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Consistent Branding: Every event, from a gala invitation to a 5K race t-shirt, carried the Frassati identity, creating recognition and pride.
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Storytelling with Purpose: Communications tied donations directly to student success stories, STREAM education initiatives, and visible outcomes, making every dollar feel impactful.
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Community-Centered Approach: Events were designed not just as fundraisers, but as celebrations of community, where families, alumni, local businesses, and neighbors felt ownership of the mission.
By shifting to a story-first, brand-driven model, Frassati created events that people didn’t just attend — they anticipated.
The Highlights: Frassati 5K + Annual Gala
Two cornerstone events became the backbone of Frassati’s fundraising model:
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The Frassati 5K: More than just a race, the 5K became a signature community event, blending fitness, fun, and school pride. Families ran together, local businesses sponsored, and alumni returned to show support. It wasn’t just about crossing the finish line — it was about belonging to something bigger.
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The Gala: Designed as a high-energy evening that combined storytelling, auctions, and celebration, the gala grew into the school’s largest single fundraiser. Every touchpoint, from décor to program design, reinforced the school’s identity and highlighted student success.
Together, these events now raise more than $160,000 annually, providing a consistent revenue stream that allows the school to plan with confidence and invest in new programs.
Lessons for Nonprofits: Clarity, Consistency, Creativity
The Frassati case study demonstrates lessons any nonprofit or school can adopt:
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Clarity of Purpose: Donors give when they understand the “why.” Connecting funds to specific outcomes (STREAM education, scholarships, technology) builds trust.
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Consistency Builds Trust: When branding, messaging, and experiences align across all touchpoints, donors feel confident and connected.
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Creativity Engages Community: Events designed with energy and originality don’t just raise money — they build loyalty and attract new supporters.
Fundraising fatigue happens when events feel repetitive or disconnected. Creativity, rooted in mission-driven storytelling, ensures donors look forward to giving rather than feeling obligated.
Closing: Design as a Driver of Engagement and Giving
The story of Frassati Catholic Academy proves that design is not decoration — it’s direction. By investing in branding, storytelling, and experiences, the school transformed fundraising from a series of transactions into a movement of community pride and generosity.
For nonprofits, the takeaway is clear: sustainable fundraising doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you harness the power of clarity, consistency, and creativity — turning every event, every message, and every story into an opportunity for people to connect, believe, and give.
