ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN TOOLKIT RESOURCES
Annual Giving Campaign Toolkit Introduction
Be strong and of good courage…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9.
Every year the Episcopal Diocese of Washington publishes a toolkit to help parishes with their annual giving campaigns. Parishes may use all or part of the toolkit for their Annual Giving Campaign. The theme for this year is Taking the Next Faithful Step.
Below, you’ll find:
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- Link to request a customizable annual giving campaign video for parishes
- Suggested Annual Giving Campaign timeline
- Information about and templates for your congregational “ask” letter
- Information about and templates for following up after the “ask” and tracking grids
- A variety of pledge card templates
- A host of additional resources
Parish Request Form for Annual Giving Campaign Customized Video
Parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington using the Annual Giving Campaign toolkit may request a free customized video that includes the name of their parish to support their stewardship efforts.
Parish leaders who complete this form by August 15 will receive their customized video by September 8. Unfortunately, due to the production schedule, requests made after August 15th cannot be accommodated.
Suggested Annual Giving Campaign Timeline
Timelines for Annual Giving Campaigns can vary, depending upon the process used and the size of the congregation. In general, Annual Giving Campaigns are held during the fall months in order to ascertain pledge revenue for the coming fiscal year.
The Congregational “Ask” Letter
One of the most vital parts of a successful Annual Giving Campaign is an effective “ask” letter, when the stewardship team of the parish reaches out to the congregation to invite support of the church’s mission and ministries.
“Ask” Letter Templates
Following up after the “Ask”
Often with Annual Giving Campaigns, the greatest amount of energy is focused on creating materials and planning a campaign launch event. However much of the real work of the campaign occurs after the materials have been shared with the parish and the celebratory “kick-off” has taken place.