Questions and Answers

Becoming a Pledger at Grace Cathedral
 

Q: What is a financial pledge to Grace Cathedral?
A:  A written financial pledge is a statement of intention, indicating how much money you plan to dedicate to further the growth of Grace Cathedral’s mission, ministry, legacy, and reach.

Q: Why do you ask for a written pledge?
A: The Trustees and Chapter need to know how much revenue so they can plan for staffing and programming; and can draft a budget for the coming fiscal year. Your pledging provides a stable base to support the cathedral’s life and ability to minister.

Q. Where does my pledge go?
A. Your pledge goes to the operating budget of the cathedral. It enables the cathedral to stay open to minister to the needs of all who come through our doors, the diocese, and out into the local and global community, every day of the year.  Your pledge supports formation and outreach programs; pays clergy and lay staff salaries; and covers the costs of making space and personnel available for worship, meetings, forums, concerts, and events.

Q: How do I decide how much to pledge?
A: The first step is to ask God in prayer: How much am I being called to give? How am I being asked to respond to God’s call to discipleship? Giving is aspirational.  Many pledgers start with an estimated percentage of their income, which seems significant and responsible for the year, and then take on the spiritual discipline of increasing that percentage over time.  The biblical standard for giving back to God is ten percent of “first fruits,” ten percent off the top of your expected assets for the year.

Q: Is that pre-tax income or post-tax income?
A: That’s totally up to you. It is your choice how much to pledge; the cathedral puts a higher premium on the fact that you pledge. Grace Cathedral is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Q: Does Grace Cathedral have sources of income other than pledge income?
A: Currently only about one quarter of the cathedral’s yearly expenses is met by pledges.  Much of the remainder comes from unpredictable income - money from offertory plates, visitors gifts placed in donation boxes, space rentals, and from outside donations and gifts.  The cathedral has a small amount in investment reserve to cover some emergency overages in the short-term. But the last four years the cathedral has run on a deficit. Grace Cathedral relies on the generosity and commitment of its consistent donors and pledgers.

Q: How do I make my pledge?
A: The cathedral only needs some written communication that you are making a pledge, with the total amount that you plan to give for the calendar year of 2012.  You can fill out a pledge card, send an email/fax, or write a letter to The Rev. Christine McSpadden, the Canon for Cathedral Life.  You can put your pledge card in the offering plate at any of the worship services, mail it in, or drop it off. You can pay by check, automatic withdrawal, credit card, or a financial securities gift.  Please submit your pledge on, or before, Sunday, October 23, the Stewardship In-gathering.  We keep accurate records and send statements to let you know where you stand in terms of completing your pledge.

Q: Is all the money I give to the church considered payment on my pledge?
A: While contributions, like donations for altar flowers, special holidays, concerts and events are important, they account for unpredictable income and are not credited toward a pledge.  You will receive a complete giving statement at year-end which records all yearly giving.

Q: Is a pledge a binding obligation?
A: While the cathedral relies on your commitment, we also realize that there are valid reasons for having to cancel or reduce a pledge mid-year. An unexpected financial emergency is clearly such a case.  Positively, if you have a windfall of income like a bonus or a financial gift, you might consider giving a portion of it.

Q: Do I pledge as an individual or as a family?
A: Often households pledge as a unit. But it is not unusual for partners to pledge separately, or children to pledge in addition to their parents, as they are cultivating the practice of giving back.

Q: Do I need to put my pledge in pledge envelopes?
A: Special pledge envelopes are in no way required for you to make your pledge.  If you desire, the cathedral can provide envelopes, numbered for accounting purposes, and dated for each one of the Sundays in the year.  We provide them only to those who request them. On the pledge card is a box to be checked if you desire them.

Q. Does the cathedral need to be the sole beneficiary of my tithe, or can it be one among others?
A: That’s totally up to you.  The value is in giving back in gratitude and you choose how you wish to make that commitment.