OFM Fundraising Partners Join Forces for the Mission

Members of the three OFM fundraising partners gathered in the Chicago area, Illinois, from October 9 to 11, 2026, for their annual meeting. The gathering brought together Franziskaner Helfen (Bonn, Germany), Franciscan Missions (Rochester, United States), and Fondazione OFM Fraternitas (Rome, Italy).

The focus of this year’s meeting was the preparation of a joint report for the Order of Friars Minor’s 2027 General Chapter. During the gathering, the three partners completed the final version of the report, bringing together their experiences, contributions, and perspectives on supporting Franciscan communities and ministries around the world.

A central theme of the discussions was the role of fundraising as a fraternal and evangelical service to the Franciscan mission. Beyond raising financial resources, fundraising invites benefactors to become partners in the Order’s ministry, connecting their generosity with the needs of communities around the world. In this way, it becomes an expression of fraternity, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

Participants also exchanged experiences and perspectives on fundraising strategies, donor relations, and communication. 

The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in areas such as initial and ongoing formation, education, emergency response, pastoral ministry, and service to people experiencing poverty. Through dialogue and the exchange of experiences, the partners explored ways to respond more effectively to the needs of the Order and the communities it serves.

With the joint report completed, the meeting marked an important step in preparations for the 2027 General Chapter. It also reaffirmed the OFM partners’ commitment to strengthening their collaboration and continuing to serve the Franciscan mission through their shared efforts.