General Questions Parish Involvement Gifts and Pledges Giving Categories
How will any money raised over and above the $600,000 goal be allocated?
Funds raised over and above the $600,000 goal will be shared between the Aquinas & St. Mary’s Endowment Fund and the supporting parishes.
When will the renovation of the Science Wing be completed?
Renovation of the Science Labs is expected to begin early summer 2007 and completed by August 2007. This will be done so not to interfere with the school schedule.
Will the other Aquinas and St. Mary’s fund raising activities be held in 2006 and 2007?
The annual Phone-A-Thon and Gold Rush events earmark funds for specific areas of the school. Donors are asked to continue their support of Aquinas and St. Mary’s as they usually do.
How much of the campaign proceeds will go towards professional consultants?
We are organizing the campaign through the Development Office at Aquinas and St. Mary’s so there are no consultant fees.
When was the last Capital Campaign?
We had a Major Capital Campaign in 1991 for the Middle School and St. Mary’s additions.
When will the new roof be put on Aquinas?
We hope the 1991 roof will last a few more years but we wanted to be prepared.
Who will be asked to support the campaign?
Every Catholic household in the David City Deanery, alumni and friends of Aquinas and St. Mary’s will be asked to prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift to the campaign.
How will the campaign affect parish offertory?
In the short term, offertory giving is expected to remain constant. Parishioners are asked to make extraordinary pledges to the campaign above and beyond regular giving. In the long term, similar campaigns have caused increases in the parish offertory by embracing stewardship and strengthening their vision of the “Church”.
Our children have already graduated from a Catholic school. Why should we give?
Often times, once the children are grown, parents are in a better situation to contribute financially to Catholic Education. Parishioners before us sacrificed greatly to build and support Catholic schools. We need to ensure that this legacy is continued and the Catholic faith is passed down to successive generations.
Why should I pledge a gift?
Pledges allow individuals and families the opportunity to consider larger commitments than they would usually consider by making a one-time gift. Often donors who pledge are able to consider gifts two-to-three times larger than those who make one-time gifts. This is important in a campaign of this magnitude.
How should subsequent payments be made?
A donor may choose to pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or according to a special schedule of their choosing. Aquinas and St. Mary’s Schools have a centralized pledge collection system.
How can I make a pledge to the campaign when the future holds so much uncertainty?
We need to remember the assuring promise of Jesus that whatever we give back to God will be returned one-hundred fold in this life and with the gift of eternal happiness in the world to come.
How much should I give to this campaign?
Please make a sacrificial gift based on your parish’s campaign goal.
Can I designate my gift?
Yes, a donor can designate their gift to any area of the campaign they desire. Designations to non-campaign areas are acceptable, but discouraged because they do not provide for the needs as outlined in the case statement.
Is my gift to the campaign tax deductible?
All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Donors can deduct up to 50% of their adjusted gross income and carry forward any unused deduction for up to five additional years.
What about matching gifts?
Donors may also want to inquire about their employers’ matching gift program. These programs match the amount of the donor’s charitable gift, often doubling or even tripling their donation.
Can I make a gift other than cash?
Yes. In fact, some donors may prefer to make a gift of appreciated stock or property or consider a deferred gift. Gifts of grain and livestock are also acceptable methods of giving.
How are gifts of stock beneficial?
While pledges and cash gifts will be made most often, many donors prefer giving appreciated stock. The value of the stock determines the tax deduction on the date the transfer occurs. Donors do not have to pay capital gains taxes and the tax deduction varies with individual financial circumstances. Donors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisor. Please contact the Development Office for assistance with transferring stock.
When considering your pledge amount, here are some giving categories that you might consider:
$300 Sustaining
$1,000 Benefactor
$3,000 Chalice Club
$10,000 Golden Torch Club
All gifts to the campaign are gratefully appreciated