Annual Giving Questions and Answers

How is annual giving different from a capital campaign? The Annual Giving Campaign supports the day to day operating costs for our church. The money received funds the salaries and benefits for Holy Trinity’s clergy and employees. Other costs include building maintenance and utilities, insurance, operating expenses, food, pastoral outreach, worship, diocesan giving and the many ministries of our parish. 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.

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 or 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 important to the operating cost of our parish. Your gift is a sign of your commitment to God’s work at Holy Trinity.

How long does the campaign last? When is my pledge due? The campaign kicks off on Sunday, November 1, 2020. Every giving unit will receive a packet of information in the mail including a letter from the rector, a narrative budget and a pledge card. We ask that all pledges be returned by December 1, 2020. The campaign will close on December 31, 2020. 

How can I make my contribution? There are several ways to give, so you can choose what works best for you!

• You can place your completed pledge card and check in an envelope and place them in the need box.
• You can make your contribution online at: http://www.holy-trinity.com/give/annual-giving-campaign/
• You may write a check and 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

What is the annual operating budget? The 2020 pledge goal is $2 million.  Budget line items include outreach, building maintenance, worship costs, diocesan giving, salary and benefits, food, insurance and utilities. The budget is carefully planned and monitored, based on the pledges we receive.

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 a statement summarizing your gifts for the year.

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 plan responsibly and to establish a realistic budget for the coming year.

Can I change my pledge? Yes.  You can change your pledge if your circumstances change. Simply contact the parish administrator at . 

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.

We are excited for our 2021 Annual Giving Campaign and the thoughtful, gracious giving that honors the gifts we receive from God.