Capital Campaign Frequently Asked Questions

Should the campaign raise more than the $1.5 million goal, what will be done with the surplus funds?
The Board of Trustees will decide how any excess funds will be spent.

Should the campaign miss the mark, what will the plan be?
While we recognize that there is always the possibility of not reaching our goal, we will trust the leadership of the Church to discern our next step.

We will probably move away within a year; can we make our pledge on a per year basis (i.e., for one year, and then for the next year if we are still here at Pilgrim)?
For those that opt to ignore the church's “Official Memo” about moving outside of the Pilgrim area, we will gladly accept any contribution over any time period.

Will there be someone to talk with if I need to adjust my pledge?
Yes, you may speak to Scott Williams, John Lauro or Jeff Zelmer regarding any concerns you may have.

Are cost overrides taken into consideration?
Yes, the campaign budget includes a cost override factor of $247,500.

What was accomplished during the last capital campaign?
Due to the overwhelming generosity of the many gifts received during the last campaign, we were able to accomplish such projects as restoring the church sanctuary and parlor, reinforced our historic bell tower, renovate the downstairs hallway, and our tithe to mission from that campaign allowed us to bring the Interfaith Hospitality Network Day Center for Homeless Families to Pilgrim.

What are the tax benefits to campaign donors?
Any contributions to the Pilgrim Rising Capital Campaign are tax deductible. You will receive a brochure during the campaign called "It's Your Decision" which outlines some of the potential tax benefits of making a gift to the campaign.

When will we see the work begin?
Work will begin as soon as sufficient capital is received to begin the various projects. The Board of Trustees has decided to begin the restoration process with the fellowship hall and the kitchen.

Will there be naming opportunities?
With a very few exceptions, we have a tradition at Pilgrim of not naming parts of our building for donors. This reflects both our commitment as a community to care for our physical plant as well as the honor we accord and gratitude we express for all gifts, including the widow’s mite. We know that all of us are needed to help Pilgrim thrive and be a light to the world, and that sacrificial giving is both a call and a blessing to each of us.

There are several ways to remember gifts and donors by name. We name funds, whether endowment or other types, to commemorate substantial gifts to particular ministries, missions or donors. The most familiar is the Bradley Fund, a regular account used at the discretion of the pastor for local mission and relief. Another example is the recently established Hafner Fund for Peace and Justice. This endowment fund provides support for those particular ministries in honor of Pastor Laurie.

The newest fund is named for Lillian Dunajski. It reflects Lillian’s extraordinary generosity in her bequest to Pilgrim Church . This fund’s invested income will essentially perpetuate Lillian’s annual pledge to Pilgrim. Gifts of this kind are also remembered with an entry on the “Continuous Members” plaque in our lobby. Memorial Gifts are recorded on a plaque in the lobby where names of the deceased are inscribed.

How do we contribute to the campaign and annual fund at the same time?
You may request envelopes to make payments to your capital campaign pledge. For accounting purposes, the Finance Committee has requested that you not combine your general fund pledge with your capital campaign pledge.

Will the elevator be accessible from the parking lot?
Yes, a new elevator building will be erected where the current parking lot entrance to fellowship hall is located. The elevator will access all levels of the church building and the community center building.

Are there funds set aside for maintenance to the elevator?
Funding for elevator maintenance and upkeep will be provided through the annual operating budget.

Does the dome in its present state present a safety issue?
Feel free to sit under the dome on Sunday mornings! The dome is safe. The restoration efforts will help to assure that the dome continues to be safe in the coming years.

Can I pay my pledge by credit card?
Yes, we can accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. You may also have your pledge automatically paid by credit card on a monthly basis. Please contact Jeff Zelmer if you are interested in this option.