Plymouth_Brochure-DIGITAL (1) - Flipbook - Page 45
2025-2028
Plymouth Church
45
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do you think we can raise the money from our congregation?
This goal is aspirational but not unreasonable based on our review of
the giving capacity for our membership and advice from our campaign
consultants.
2. Haven’t we fallen short on annual gifts in previous years and aren’t
we running an operating deficit?
Since COVID, we have been closing the gap with our operating budget
with help from the Foundation in the form of matching grants. Last
year, our gap was $12,000 and as a result, we did not draw from the
sustainability grant. We are optimistic about the momentum we are
seeing in online and in-person attendance, and the involvement in
current programming such as Matins, Sunday church school, and
Plymouth-sponsored events. Engagement leads to giving and we see
tangible growth in the life of Plymouth.
3. What if we don’t raise enough money?
If we fall short of our goal, church leadership has considered two
alternative options, both of which will lead to additional costs:
• Financing (mortgage, line of credit), which would add interest costs.
• Breaking the project into stages, which would lead to higher overall
costs, since each phase will require setup and teardown expenses.
4. Can the Plymouth Foundation give more money?
The Plymouth Foundation has made $1 million commitment to the
campaign. In addition, the Foundation has provided several million
dollars of support to Plymouth Church over the last several years
(campaigns, repairs, capital expenditures and operating deficits).
The Plymouth Foundation has just over $5 million that remains
uncommitted, and it is important to keep these funds to support
Plymouth’s long-term efforts.
5. What are other potential sources of campaign funds (grants,
matches, etc.)?
We are aware of a grant through the National Fund for Sacred Places and
will work on that grant request when we have a better sense of the timing
of the project. We will continue to watch for other funding opportunities.
6. Are we including solar panels in the roof project?
We have included copper panels in the roof project with the intent of
supporting solar panel installation. We are optimistic that we will reach
the campaign’s financial goal and that solar panels will be installed after
the roof has been replaced.
Scan the QR code to read more FAQs
