Sursum Consulting partners with Catholic organizations as they rise to greater heights by incorporating proven approaches in development, talent management, and leadership strategies to enhance mission-driven engagement. We serve clients globally as non-profit consultants with expertise in fundraising and talent strategies.Contact me to learn more or to schedule a conversation on how we can help your mission grow!

At the Augustine Institute, Patrick Diener significantly strengthened the fundraising team by hiring five new gift officers, strategically expanding the department's capacity to engage with donors and secure major gifts. Recognizing the need for a unified approach, he spearheaded a comprehensive training program that encouraged the major gift team to work more collaboratively, fostering a culture of shared goals and mutual support. His leadership ensured that each team member was not only well-equipped to excel in their individual roles but also deeply connected to the Institute's overarching mission, enhancing the effectiveness and cohesion of the fundraising efforts.Patrick's focus on collaboration transformed the way the major gift team operated, breaking down silos and encouraging open communication. By emphasizing teamwork and shared success, he created an environment where gift officers could leverage each other's strengths, leading to more strategic and impactful donor engagements. This approach not only worked to increase the team's overall performance but also deepened relationships with key donors, ensuring that the Augustine Institute could continue to thrive and expand its mission in Catholic education and evangelization.

During his time with the Knights of Columbus, Patrick Diener played a pivotal role in advancing disaster relief efforts and supporting immigrant communities in some of the most challenging regions of the world, including Nigeria, Iraq, and Ukraine. His work in disaster relief involved coordinating on-the-ground responses to crises, ensuring that vital resources such as food, medical supplies, and shelter reached those most in need. The team's ability to mobilize resources quickly and effectively was instrumental in mitigating the impact of natural disasters and conflicts on vulnerable populations.In addition to disaster relief, Patrick was deeply involved in supporting immigrant and displaced communities. In Nigeria, Iraq, and Ukraine, he worked on initiatives that provided critical support to those fleeing conflict and persecution. This included working with local partners to establish safe havens, provide basic necessities, and facilitate access to legal and social services. His efforts helped thousands of individuals and families rebuild their lives in the face of immense adversity, demonstrating the Knights of Columbus' commitment to humanitarian aid and social justice on a global scale.

Patrick Diener founded the Institute of Catholic Philanthropy, a pioneering initiative that reshapes the landscape of fundraising and philanthropy within the Catholic community. Designed as either a specialty in the MBA program or a stand-alone nine-credit certificate, this unique institute equips mid-level fundraisers with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in Catholic organizations. What sets this program apart is its deep integration of theological principles—"gift," "generosity," and "gratitude"—as the cornerstone of its curriculum. From this rich foundation, participants dive into fundraising best practices and the essential subject matter for the CFRE certification, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead with both skill and integrity.The program's innovative blended format combines the flexibility of remote education with the immersive experience of a one-week, in-person "master's class." This structure allows participants to continue advancing in their current roles while benefiting from the collaborative environment and hands-on learning of a traditional program. By offering a balance of academic rigor and practical application, the Institute of Catholic Philanthropy stands as a transformative opportunity for fundraisers seeking to deepen their impact in the Catholic sector.

In his role as Director of Global Development, Patrick Diener was instrumental in establishing and cultivating robust networks of support for the Liger Leadership Academy across the United States, European Union, Australia, Singapore, and Asia. Collaborating closely with international funders, Patrick not only secured critical resources for the academy but also fostered long-term partnerships that aligned with the institution’s mission.Patrick worked directly with the Director of Education and the School Head to redefine the academy's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring they aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This strategic alignment allowed the academy to better track and demonstrate its transformative impact on both local and global communities, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in innovative education.About Liger Leadership Academy: The academy is dedicated to educating the most promising youth of today to become the socially conscious, entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow. By offering a residential scholarship program to economically disadvantaged students, Liger combines a comprehensive, internationally competitive education with a pioneering STEM and entrepreneurship curriculum. The academy's philosophy is clear: a meaningful investment in the right few can change the lives of many.

Patrick Diener has an extensive experience in change management and philanthropic consulting, specializing in enhancing operational efficiency and aligning organizational missions with impactful outcomes. Over his tenure in this position, Patrick has successfully coordinated the raising of over $500 million in capital campaigns, leveraging his expertise in strategic planning and donor engagement.Key Achievements:Capital Campaign Leadership: Directed and coordinated large-scale capital campaigns for nonprofits, universities, and foundations, achieving over $500 million in raised funds. His strategic oversight ensured not only the financial success of these campaigns but also long-term donor relationships and trust.Enhanced Impact Tracking: Patrick implemented advanced methodologies for tracking the impact of donations and grants, ensuring that foundations could clearly measure the effectiveness of their giving. This improved transparency and reporting significantly boosted the confidence of stakeholders and donors alike.Increased Giving Efficiency: By optimizing grant-writing processes and giving strategies, Patrick helped foundations increase their giving efficiency, ensuring that more resources reached the intended beneficiaries with minimal overhead.Business Development: In addition to his consulting work, Patrick played a key role in business development by bringing in new clients and expanding the firm's network of contacts. His ability to connect with potential partners and donors was instrumental in driving growth.In-House Marketing & Graphics Expertise: Serving as the in-house marketing and graphics department, Patrick ensured that all campaigns and initiatives were visually compelling and communicated effectively. His dual role as both strategist and creative ensured a seamless alignment between the messaging and the mission of the organizations he worked with.