Planned Giving – Funding the Vision
What is Planned Giving?
Planned Giving is deciding how much of your income to regularly give to the work of the Parish rather than relying on what you may have in your pocket or handbag on a Sunday morning.
How can I give?
The easiest and most effective way to give is via a standing order from your bank account. All you need to do is fill in our Planned Giving Form for 2011, sign it and return it to the Planned Giving Recorder.
Why should I plan my giving?
We all have a responsibility to make sure our ministry and mission here in Walton continues. Jesus instructs us to go out and tell the good news to everyone, young and old alike, and in this Parish we do that in many different ways. All the different styles of worship and outreach we offer help to nurture and feed each one of us and reach out to all including those who have not yet heard the good news.
Planned giving helps the Parochial Church Council (PCC) to budget for the year ahead, giving solid financial foundations for the ministry and mission of our Parish, enabling us to plan for the future with confidence.
Our ministry and outreach work costs money and is wholly paid for by our giving. Our giving funds the employment costs of our Vicar, Curate, Church Army Evangelists, Children and Youth minister, ministry training, support for our unpaid ministers, administration, as well as enabling us to mount a vast array of ministries ranging from Sunday, weekday and seasonal services, quiet communion, evensong and contemplative services to joyful rousing youth services and lively family services as well as Sunday Schools, 1st Wednesdays, confirmations and baptisms to home communions, visitations, Alpha Courses, home groups, summer Holiday Clubs, youth groups, outreach initiatives into St John’s and Vicarage Fields estates and Walton Street Angels.
For more theological insight to giving read principals of stewardship.
Gift Aid
If you pay either UK Income or Capital Gains Tax you can make your donation go even further. Complete and sign the Gift Aid Declaration on the Planned Giving Form for 2011 and we can claim 25p for every £1 you donate, at no extra cost to you. If you pay tax at a higher rate than the basic tax rate, then you can claim further tax relief from HMRC.
Legacies
Many people have given generous legacies to the parish in the past, and this continues to be an important source of funding. Within the past few years the Parish has received legacies which have benefited our ministry and outreach in many ways. Have you thought of leaving The Parish of St Mary with St John a gift in your will? If you are drawing up or amending a will, you may want to consider leaving a sum of money to the Parish. It is easier legally and financially for the Parish if legacies are unrestricted, in other words that they do not state what the legacy is to be used for. A suitable form of words might be “I give (sum of money or percentage) absolutely to Walton-on-Thames PCC”.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I give?
There is no set amount and what ever you give should be given with a joyful heart and according to your means. If you are new to Planned Giving please try to give a minimum of £5 a week and if you already give please consider increasing your giving by £10 per month.
I am new to the Parish and would like to talk to someone about giving?
Our Parish Stewardship Promoter will be able to answer any questions you have about giving to the Parish. Any conversations are held in the strictest confidence.
How confidential is my giving?
Only a small number of designated members of the Parish Finance Team have access to Planned Giving Information. The Planned Giving Recorder is responsible for keeping all information regarding Planned Giving. It is held securely within the Parish and is not divulged to any outside organisations.
Where does the money get spent?
Our ministry and outreach work is wholly paid for by our giving. A closer insight into the ministry and mission can be read in the January 2011 Planned Giving Letter and an extract from the Giving Speech given at all the Sunday services in the Parish on 23rd January 2011. For more financial detail see the latest Annual Report.
What if my circumstances change?
If you change the amount you give, your name, address or any other contact details please inform either the Parish Stewardship Promoter or Planned Giving Recorder so that we may make sure our records are correct and up to date.
If you allow us to claim Gift Aid on your donations and at some time in the future your circumstances change and you no longer pay sufficient tax, you must let either the Parish Stewardship Promoter or Planned Giving Recorder know so that we don’t continue to claim Gift Aid illegally.
Contact
If you do have any further questions, then please do contact :
The Parish Stewardship Promoter
Tina Culpin
c/o The Parish Office, St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 2QS
e-mail : stewardship@waltonparish.org.uk
or :
The Planned Giving Recorder
Barbara Wolfe
c/o The Parish Office, St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 2QS
e-mail : recorder@waltonparish.org.uk