What is Pledge•2008?
Pledge•2008 is the annual giving campaign for First Parish. It begins in late January and runs six weeks, culminating on Celebration Sunday March 2. We ask you to pledge early and make First Parish a priority! Nearly 75% of the entire operating budget for July 2008– June 2009 is dependent on the generous pledges of our congregation.
Who participates? Why is my pledge needed?
Your pledge is the fiscal foundation of our next year at First Parish. All members and newcomers are asked to pledge financial support to fund our ministers and staff salaries, programs, administrative costs and facilities costs for our historic Meeting House. A copy of the Preliminary Fiscal Year 2008 Budget is at the bottom of this web page.
What is the goal of Pledge•2008?
The goal is 100% participation of the congregation to raise $990,000 in pledges. If everyone gives generously, we will raise the money that is needed to maintain First Parish’s current level and quality of services, programs and staffing.
How much should I pledge and where can I find guiding information?
Consider what feels possible and meaningful to you. As a reference, you can use information that you received in your Annual Campaign letter and pledge sheet mailed in late January. It contains:
- The First Parish Suggested Annual Giving Table, which is based on most recent pledge histories, Concord-area household incomes, the needs of First Parish, and UUA guidelines.
- A Pledge•2008 Giving Guide on the back of your cover letter.
If you don't have your copy of these materials, you can stop by the church office and get another.
For information online, you can see the First Parish Suggested Annual Giving Table on this website at: http://www.firstparish.org/cms/component/option,com_facileforms/Itemid,113/ , which also enables you to make your pledge online, access additional pledge forms and authorize stock donations.
Why should I consider increasing my pledge?
First Parish appreciates all gifts, large and small. However, we hope that you can see your way to increasing your pledge, because church expenses continue to rise at a rate approaching 10% per year. This is no different from other churches and the outside business world -- even though First Parish practices the most conservative budget planning, the costs of running our church go up each year. Last year, church programs were cut back because of this reality. A copy of the Preliminary Fiscal Year 2008 Budget is at the bottom of this web page.
I have a limited income, what should I pledge?
Know that you are always welcome at First Parish. If you’re out of work, have a modest income, or are facing demands on your resources, please pledge what you are able. Also, please be aware that the bare-bones cost to the church for each annual membership is about $1300.00.
I’m doing well, what should I pledge?
If you attend Sunday services, are involved in First Parish programs, activities or committee work, and/or if you have children in RE, OWL, or Youth Group, and these First Parish connections are important in your life, then please follow the “Fulfilling Our Vision” column in the First Parish Suggested Annual Giving Table.
When should I make my pledge?
Please pledge as early as possible in the campaign. You can mail (or deliver) your pledge form to the church office or bring it to canvass events, if applicable. You may also bring your pledge to Celebration Sunday on March 2.
Will I be contacted during the campaign?
All First Parish members received the Pledge•2008 mailing in late January. If you have not pledged by Celebration Sunday on March 2, we will follow-up with phone calls. This year ~150 parishioners will be asked to pledge early at canvass gatherings.
When does my pledge need to be paid?
Your pledge payment begins July 1, 2008. It must be paid in full by June 30, 2009. Please consider having your pledge deducted monthly from your checking or savings account. We can also charge your credit card (the church pays a fee for each transaction.) Automatic monthly deduction options help us manage our ability to meet expenses year-round.
Where does my pledge money go?
First Parish’s operating budget for the current year is $1.29 million. This church year, 66% of the budget pays salaries and benefits for full-time and part-time staff. 15 % of our budget supports program costs for music, Religious Education, social action, ministries and our fair share contribution to the Unitarian Universalist Association, while 19% covers our “cost of doing business” (administration operations, utilities, insurance and building maintenance.)
What is the status of the Capital Campaign fundraising and how does it relate to the Annual Campaign?
The Capital Campaign has raised nearly $3.75M of its $4.5M goal, thanks to the generosity of our First Parish Community. The focus of the Capital Campaign, though, is on completing deferred maintenance and a building project to make our church fully accessible and to add new space. While the Capital Campaign is less "active" during the Annual Campaign fundraising, you are most welcome to make a contribution to the Capital Campaign during this time or at any time.
The fiscal emphasis during the next few months, however, is on the Annual Campaign, which funds the day-to-day operations of our church. The proceeds of the Annual Campaign enable us to develop inspiring worship services, fabulous music, one of the best religious education programs in the country, transforming social action programs, and enriching adult education opportunities. Please pledge as generously as you can and make this year a success!
Why do we pledge so early in the year?
We need our income and our expenses to balance before the June annual meeting. We need to know what pledges havecome in before we plan activities and build the budget.
What do the Trustees contribute?
The Trustees of First Parish Donations contribute about 15% of the annual budget. The Trustees manage the gifts, legacies, and buildings (Wright Tavern and the white cottages) that have been given to First Parish over the years.
How should I pledge if my children are in Religious Education?
The RE registration fees cover only a small part of the cost of the RE program. Your generous pledge supports not only the RE program, but also the costs of the staff, facilities and all of First Parish’s programs.
What about the Sunday offering?
We appreciate Sunday offerings, but they represent only 2% of First Parish income. If you are a visitor, we thank you, If this is your pledge, please use your envelopes, so we can credit you. If you are a regular participant at First Parish, please pledge — you rely on First Parish, and First Parish needs to rely on you.
What about the time I contribute?
Your volunteer efforts are appreciated! You understand the value of our staff, our building, and the things that we do for each other and for the rest of the world. All of these efforts require money as well as our time. Please pledge and make First Parish your priority.
Preliminary Fiscal Year 2008 First Parish Budget
Income
Subscription Income 910,095
Box Collections 25,000
Users of Facilities 12,000
Donations from Trustees 180,000
Religious Education Income 39,575
Office income 1,000
Gifts 38,300
Interest income 7,000
Special events income 22,000
Wright Tavern funding 38,500
Total 1,264,470
Expenses
Minister staff 247,528
Minister development 17,800
Human Resources 1,000
Professional development 7,600
Benefits and taxes (HR) 156,640
Parish activities 4,155
Member services 10,964
Social Action grants & associate 67,757
Religious Education & Youth 144,967
Wright Tavern 43,649
Music 124,276
Administration 162,763
Property Plant & Equipment 197,201
Denominational Support 36,438
Governance and Finance 51,636
Total 1,275,174
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