Annual Giving Q&A
What is the Annual Giving Campaign? Holy Trinity’s Annual Giving Campaign supports the operating budget of the church. It occurs each fall and the money pledged determines the budget for the following year.
How is annual giving different from a capital campaign? The Annual Giving Campaign supports the day-to-day operating costs of the church. Your offerings are used in a number of different ways including, but not limited to: salaries and benefits for Holy Trinity’s clergy and employees; worship services, including music; ministries for children and youth; Christian education; pastoral care; outreach; Diocesan giving; utilities; building and landscape maintenance; insurance. Capital campaigns address the church’s needs beyond day-to-day operations and are earmarked for a specific project, such as a new or renovated building or major repairs to existing structures.
Should I pledge even though I regularly put money in the offering plate? Undesignated donations in the offering plates do help support the operating budget and ongoing life of the parish. However, pledges are very important because they enable us to know what income to expect so that the Vestry can plan responsibly and establish a realistic budget for the coming year.
How much should I give? The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our earnings to God (Numbers 18:16). There is no required amount to give and each gift is strictly confidential. Every gift is appreciated and vital to the operating cost of our parish. Your gift is a symbol of your commitment to God’s work at Holy Trinity.
How long does the campaign last? When is my pledge due? Our annual giving campaigns begin in September, when every giving unit receives a packet of information in the mail. We ask that all pledges be returned by early December.
What is the annual operating budget? The 2024 pledge goal was $1.8 million. The budget is carefully planned and monitored, based on the pledges we receive (which make up 95 percent of the operating budget). The Vestry is committed to a balanced budget.
How can I make my pledge? You can place your completed pledge form in an envelope and place it in the collection plate during a Sunday service or mail it to the church office. You can also make your pledge online here.
How can I fulfill/contribute to the pledge I made? Do I have to pay at the time I pledge? Can I pay in installments?
- You may pay your pledge when you make it or you can pay in monthly or quarterly installments. Each quarter, you will receive an email statement summarizing your gifts for the year.
- You can make your contribution to your pledge online via credit or debit card by clicking here.
- You may write a check and put in the offering plate or mail it to the church office.
- You can have a bank account or credit card drafted monthly or quarterly.
- You can also make your contribution via stock transfer or other investments.
- Many companies offer matching gifts for their employees, so you may also wish to consider arranging a company match of your pledge this year.
Can I change my pledge? Yes. You can change your pledge if your circumstances change. Simply contact our finance manager, Dot Binkley, at dot@holy-trinity.com.
Is my pledge confidential?
Pledges, whether received by mail, in person, or online, are confidential and seen only by Holy Trinity’s finance staff. Pledge amounts are never shared.