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Campaign - Frequently Asked Questions
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Campaign FAQ - Preserving our Past, Providing for our Future
St. Catherine of Alexandria
Preserving our Past, Providing for our Future
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the difference between the Capital Campaign and Sunday Offertory?
The Capital Campaign seeks to raise funds to renovate our Church. Regular offertory provides funds for the day-to-day operating costs of the parish. Gifts to the Capital Campaign are over and above what you already contribute to the Offertory (Sunday Collection).
What happens if we do not reach our fundraising goal?The church is committed to raising the funds necessary to renovate and improve the church. The campaign shows results to date show strong support for the project. The campaign will continue until the necessary funds are raised to support the project.
How much funding is needed to begin the project?
The Diocese requires that a parish has 80% of the cost of a project on-hand before moving forward. The Design and Planning Phases will start when the Capital Campaign is closer to reaching 80% of the total goal, in approximately three years.When will the project start?
The Church Renewal Project will be conducted in phases. The Design Phase of the project will begin before parishioners fulfill their five-year pledges. Following the Design Phase, there will be permitting processes, project approval from the Diocese, and a bid for contractors to complete the project. Due to the multiple phases, there is no “break ground” date, however, the process will begin before parishioners fulfill their five-year pledges.
How do I know that my donation to this campaign will go towards the components outlined in the case for support?St. Catherine is going to great lengths to ensure that the funds raised through the capital campaign will be used exclusively for the components outlined in the campaign’s case for support. The Parish Finance Council will ensure that the distribution of go to the church renovations. No funds raised will go to the Diocese
Who will manage the funds raised from the Capital Campaign?
St. Catherine will manage the redemption of all pledges. This task will entail the mailing of payment reminders and tax statements to donors and reports. St. Catherine will also ensure all payments are deposited into a separate account specially created to deposit all the monies received from this campaign.
Why do you think our family can give a gift at this level?No intrusive research of your financial wherewithal was conducted, and request amounts are based primarily upon your past generosity and also the financial needs of the Parish. You are simply being asked to consider a gift at a specific level and it is our hope that you give this request some thought and prayer.
Why emphasize pledged commitments?The campaign emphasizes gifts given over five years because it allows individuals and families the opportunity to consider larger gifts. Experience in past campaigns shows that donors who made extended commitments were able to consider gifts three-to-four times larger than those who made one-time gifts.Why am I asked to sign a pledge letter?
Parishioners are asked to sign a pledge letter so that the gift may be appropriately acknowledged and documented, enabling the Parish to send payment reminders. Additionally, it will also help our Parish plan our finances as pledge payments are received. Pledges are not legally binding.
To whom should payments be made?All payments should be made payable to: St. Catherine of Alexandria
Why is the initial payment of 10% of the total pledge encouraged?St. Catherine has immediate financial needs, and initial payments help increase the amount of money we are able to redeem. Most donors prefer to commence pledge payments immediately, many contributing significantly more than the suggested 10% down payment. Donors may also elect to pay less than 10% when making a down payment, or nothing at all.How should subsequent payments be made?
Donors may choose to pay pledge balances monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Reminders will be sent according to the pledge redemption schedule the donor specifies.Are gifts to this campaign tax deductible?
Yes. As a 501(c)3 Organization, gifts to Preserving Our Past, Providing for our Future are tax-deductible, to the fullest extent allowed by law. Contact your tax advisor for more information.
Will this money be for the Diocese of San Jose?No. All the money will be managed by St. Catherine Catholic Church and be used for the building needs which are outlined in the case for support.
What Happens if the dog eats my pledge card(s)Please click here for a new Pledge Card NOW! Thank you for your Support.