The Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) organised a very helpful workshop at Xavier Learning Community in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, for the development offices of our Asia Pacific conference. The scope ranged from the spirituality of fundraising to the details of best practices.

Fr Wilfred Lobo SJ, Assistant General Treasurer for South Asia and Asia Pacific, gave an excellent presentation that placed fundraising in the context of the First Principle and Foundation and the Contemplatio of the Exercises. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting others into our mission. It clearly involves the conversion of both those who seek funds and those who have them to put on the mind of Christ. This approach reframes fundraising as a path of mutual conversion, where both donor and fundraiser are drawn deeper into God’s mission.

As we pray in the Suscipe, “My mind, heart, memory, and soul I give to you; all I need is your love and your grace.” One becomes richer by giving, but everything has to be based on good relationships with donors. It is a bridge-building exercise which must be founded in prayer and undertaken in gratitude.

The fundraiser needs to believe in the value of the work. It is for Kingdom building, where asking and giving are transformative experiences.

We then focused on the need for local philanthropy and how to do it. It cannot be done without collaboration from the province. There must be a team for developing the plans and strategy. This involves a bridge between the fundraising offices in the province. There is also a need to work collaboratively with companies, foundations, and financial institutions. Many companies have a social obligation that has money for these purposes.

The principles of good fundraising were outlined:

First, treat your supporters with respect and do not pressure them but focus on the mission.

Second, do not exaggerate the facts but be clear and truthful.

Third, honour your promises to your supporters.

Fourth, nurture relationships with supporters and let them know how valued they are. Put yourself in the donors’ shoes—consider how you would feel.

The author, Fr Des Dwyer SJ, enjoys a cup of coffee at Danpasak viewpoint on the Thai-Myanmar border along Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai | Photo by Berna Filart

We then dealt with the details of developing a plan and the need for collaboration within the conference. There were further sessions on FACSI, gifts and wills, and resourcing our development offices.

Delegates from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste shared impact stories. Berna Filart of the Philippine Jesuit Aid Association reminded the group that “small but many” donors can make a big difference, citing examples like Mass offerings during November and Holy Souls envelope drives—often bringing in consistent support even in small amounts.

This insight mirrored the realities in Timor-Leste, where Cesar Villanueva reported over $6,700 raised from All Souls drives and more than $33,000 through Mass stipends, showing that modest, faith-based giving can be deeply impactful when embraced collectively​. Cesar’s session outlined a multi-year strategy focused on engaging local and international partners, challenging the notion that Timor-Leste lacks a culture of giving. As he noted, “There is giving—but more for the dead than for the living.” By tapping into religious and communal traditions, his team has begun to shift that narrative​.

In Indonesia, Fr Effendi Sunur recounted a national seminar in honour of Jesuit Fr Magnis Suseno’s 88th birthday. Despite political turbulence and last-minute changes, the team raised $60,000 for the arcae seminarii, thanks to collaboration with lay partners, a persuasive proposal, and strategic networking​.

Finally, a word must be said about the hospitality of the Thai Jesuits and their lay partners, and to Jesuit Mission Australia for putting together and leading such a valuable programme. Xavier Learning Community is itself a living case study of what prayerful fundraising can accomplish. It was the perfect setting for the JCAP development officers meeting. The presence of the staff and students made it such a wonderful experience.