Every year, pledges to the Annual Fund support the operating budget of St. Michael’s, funding our worship, Christian education, outreach and mission, building and grounds, staff and other programs. The Annual Fund is critical to the life of St. Michael’s. St. Michael’s maintains a balanced budget each year, with every dollar put to wise use invested in the people, place and prayerful plans of St. Michael’s.
FAQs
Is a pledge the same as a gift?
No. A pledge is a promise to make a gift at a later date. A gift is the actual exchange of money.
Can I make a gift without making a pledge?
Of course. The gift will show up in your REALM account as a non-pledged gift.
If I don’t need a pledge to make a gift, why should I pledge?
Just like in your household, you budget for expenses based on your salary. St. Michael’s uses the pledge amount like a salary to budget for expenses. A non-pledged gift is like a bonus you might receive—unexpected, very much appreciated—but can’t be counted on to fund budget line items.
When should I make my pledge?
Ideally, pledges for the upcoming year will be received by December 31st. Gifts to fulfill that pledge may be made at any time (i.e. weekly, monthly, quarterly, all at once, or on an “as can” basis). For example, you can pledge to the 2027 Annual Fund in October, November, or December 2026, but pay your pledge over the course of 2027 with all gifts received by December 31, 2027.
Can I prepay my pledge?
Yes. You can pay a portion or all of your pledge at any time before that pledge year closes. For example, if you would like to pledge and pay for upcoming year at any point in the current year, you are welcome to do so.
What are the tax implications for pledging vs. giving?
There are no tax implications for pledging because no money exchanges hands. So you may pledge without tax issues for the upcoming year, which would allow the church to have a full budgetary picture. You may fulfill that pledge at any time in the upcoming year or in the current year if that works best for you tax-wise. Once the money has exchanged hands, then it can be counted for tax purposes.
Can’t you just add my pledge in December when I know how much I can give?
Due to auditing requirements, a pledge cannot be added in December for the current General Fund. (i.e., a pledge for the current year cannot be added in December of that year. A previous pledge can be adjusted up or down, so it is always better to estimate a pledge amount.
How can I pay my pledge?
By check placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church.
By direct debit from a checking account. You may enter the information yourself into REALM (a fee will be charged) or send in the direct debit form with a cancelled check for the church’s bank to debit your account (no fee). The church drafts on the last business day of the month.
By credit card. You may enter the information yourself into REALM (a fee will be charged).
By stock transfer, distribution from a QCD, or other brokerage account.
