Q: How much do we still owe on our mortgage/loan?
A: $998,000
Q: What is monthly payment?
A: $10,200
Q: What is the timeline for this campaign?
A: It is a 3-year commitment. The campaign (timeline to submit pledge cards) begins 11/3/2024 and ends 12/15/2024.
Q: How much does the steeple cost, and when will it be installed?
A: $150,000 – it should be installed by end of 2nd quarter 2025.
Q: Will we use any of this money for our operating budget, or is it strictly for the steeple and the mortgage?
A: We will first pay for the steeple; we hope to get 3 years of mortgage payments; if we get more than that, the board and the executive committee will determine where it is applied. It is important to note that this campaign is separate from the operating budget, and so please continue donating to the operating budget as you currently do. Both are very important to our future.
Q: Will this be the last capital campaign? If not, how many more will we have?
A: No, we will continue to have campaigns until the debt is paid off.
Q: Is my pledge confidential?
A: Absolutely. It is critical to the success of this campaign that pledges/donations are kept confidential.
Q: Can I donate toward this campaign if I don’t want to fill out a pledge card?
A: Absolutely. You can donate however and whenever you want to; just be sure to designate with your contribution that it is for the capital campaign.
Q: What if we sell our land? Does that affect this capital campaign?
A: If we sell the land (which requires a congregational vote), the board and executive committee will determine how the proceeds are applied.
Q: Can I gift shares of stock instead of cash?
A: Absolutely. Often, that is a great strategy, and we have an account at Edward Jones to help facilitate that process. Also, keep in mind that if you are required to take an RMD from your retirement account and if you use it for this purpose, you can avoid paying taxes on that amount. (This has to be done a certain way – your financial advisor can help with this).
Q: I don’t have any extra funds right now. How else might I be able to help?
A: One thing is that you can always include the church in your will or as a beneficiary on your investment accounts, even if it’s 10%! It may not count toward this campaign, but it would certainly help with future expenses and programs. Also, since this is a 3-year campaign, you may donate any time within that three years, even if you did not fill out a pledge card.
