The basilica, originally built as a shelter for St. John Paul’s visit in the 1970s, had not undergone significant fundraising since its construction and the expansion of Knock International Airport.
Our team, led by campaign director James Ó Murthuile, worked closely with the rector of Knock Shrine, Father Richard Gibbons, to develop a comprehensive fundraising plan. This included a survey of major donors, visitors to the shrine, and other stakeholders. Over the course of 18 months, James formed a campaign council and engaged with leadership and major gift owners to achieve the ambitious fundraising goal.
The campaign was a resounding success, generating pledge gifts in excess of €12 million in under 18 months. 60% of these funds were received within the first year and a half, with 3 seven-figure gifts and over 22 multiple six-figure gifts. Father Gibbons noted that when James arrived, “it felt like special forces had arrived to guide us through.” James worked tirelessly to meet every milestone and ensure that staff and volunteers worked together to achieve the common goal.