Question 1

Why is Trinity Church having a capital campaign now?

Accepted Answer

A successful Restore, Renew, Rejoice! Campaign will enable Trinity Church to accomplish critically important and  long-overdue restorations and improvements to our building.  This work  will cost far more than we can afford in our annual budget; therefore, we have decided to conduct a special fundraiser, this Capital Campaign.

Question 2

How long will the Campaign run?

Accepted Answer

The Repair, Restore, Rejoice! Campaign began with the Commissioning Service and kickoff  lunch on July 12.  It will conclude with Celebration Sunday on September 20, 2026.

Question 3

What is our goal?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is $500,000, the sum of the estimated costs of the projects we hope to address with the funds.

Question 4

Isn’t the campaign goal amount just an estimate?  How did we arrive at it?

Accepted Answer

We requested price quotes from reputable contractors for each of the projects.  Since some time will have elapsed before work can begin in 2026 or 2027, we have added a contingency amount of 10% to 20% to account for inflation and other unknown costs.  Contractors’ quotes are typically good for only 30 days.

Question 5

What is the total cost of the steeple restoration?

Accepted Answer

The estimated total cost of the steeple restoration is $745,000.  This includes funds already spent in the initial phase of work as well as estimated costs to complete the restoration.  Trinity Church and its members will be funding approximately 65% of the total project cost.  Funding of the remaining 35% will be sought through grants and donations from others.

Question 6

What will happen if funds given to the Campaign exceed our $500,000 goal?

Accepted Answer

This would be a wonderful outcome!  Until the projects identified by the Task Force are completed, unforeseen issues related to those projects may require additional funding.  If that were to happen, we would use some of the funds above our goal to complete the projects we’ve already started.  Beyond that, the Campaign Executive Team will make suggestions to the Finance and Property Committee and Deacons on how to spend any additional money received in the Campaign.

Question 7

What projects will be funded if we do not meet our $500,000 Campaign goals?

Accepted Answer

If we do not meet our goal, the Campaign Executive Team will make recommendations for prioritizing the projects to the Finance & Property Committee and Deacons.  The Deacons and the congregation will make the final decision on the projects to be funded, the timing of the funding, and the amount to be spent.

Question 8

Will we have to wait for all the money to come in before we begin the projects?

Accepted Answer

We may work with the UCC Cornerstone Fund or another institutional lender to obtain short-term “bridge loans” to pay for projects as they are completed.  Any such bridge loans would be repaid as soon as sufficient Campaign commitments are received.

Question 9

Does Trinity anticipate the need for any additional financing beyond the Capital Campaign?

Accepted Answer

We plan to apply to the Town of Northborough for a Community Preservation Act grant to provide the additional funding needed to restore the steeple and spire. We do not anticipate the need for financing for any other projects other than possible bridge loans described above.

Question 10

How can I support the campaign?

Accepted Answer

You can support the Campaign by prayerfully and thoughtfully considering the amount that you want to commit and then completing the Letter of Commitment form that will be made available to you no later than the week of September 13.  The Letter of Commitment is your pledge to donate funds (including stock, retirement, or other funds) to the Restore, Renew, Rejoice! Campaign either in a lump sum or in installments over a period of up to five years.

Question 11

How do I make a commitment?

Accepted Answer

Please read the Restore, Renew, Rejoice! Campaign’s Ways to Give information in the packet you received or on the Campaign webpage.  Then fill out your Letter of Commitment so we will know how you will give to support the Campaign.  You can return your Letter of Commitment prior to or on Celebration Sunday (September 20, 2026).  Alternatively, you can mail or deliver your completed Letter of Commitment to the church office at 23 Main St, Northborough, MA 01532.  If you are unable to print a copy of the Letter of Commitment, you may pick up a copy at the church office.

Question 12

When will I need to make my commitment?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to receive Letters of Commitment from all supporters of the Restore, Renew, Rejoice! Campaign prior to our celebration service on Sunday, September 20, 2026.  We will, however, continue to welcome commitments after Celebration Sunday.

Question 13

How much time do I have to fulfill my commitment?

Accepted Answer

You can take up to 5 years to fulfill your commitment, although we are encouraging donors to make their contributions sooner, if possible, so that we can proceed with the projects expeditiously.   We ask that you pay at least 20% of your commitment by December 31, 2026 and at least 20% a year from 2027-2030, or until your commitment is paid in full.  Installments can be paid annually, quarterly or monthly.

Question 14

Why are we including $30,000 to repay our Capital Fund?

Accepted Answer

One of the projects the Exterior Restoration and Maintenance Task Force had recommended for the Capital Campaign was repair of the roof over the three-story addition to the building.  In March of 2026, however, the roof had an extensive leak that necessitated emergency repairs.  Because of the need for immediate action, Trinity used available money in the Capital Fund that is reserved for emergencies.  By replenishing those funds with proceeds from the Capital Campaign that were originally intended for roof repair, they will be available for any other emergency capital needs.

Question 15

Can funds given to the Capital Campaign be used for anything else?

Accepted Answer

No.  Campaign funds will only be used on projects described in the Capital Campaign brochure unless otherwise approved by the Deacons and congregation.

Question 16

How will we select the contractors who do the work?

Accepted Answer

We will seek competitive proposals from at least two or three contractors, where possible.  We will evaluate contractors based on ratings with the Better Business Bureau and references from other clients.  Proposals will be evaluated not only on price, but also on a description of how the work would be done, on the materials to be used, and the quality of the references.

Question 17

Is a Restore, Renew, Rejoice! Campaign contribution separate from our regular, annual pledge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a separate campaign and does not affect your annual pledge.  Our annual pledges are still crucial to support Trinity’s operating costs and missions.  As with all donations to our church, your contribution to the Campaign may offer tax advantages.  It is always a good idea to consult your tax accountant or financial planner for details on your personal situation.

Question 18

Why do we need a Capital Campaign consultant?

Accepted Answer

The consultant, Jill White from Capital Campaign Services, UCC Church Building and Loan Fund, is helping to ensure that we achieve the optimal result from our campaign.  She is guiding us in following best practices based on their extensive experience of success in such campaigns.  In addition, we have access to the Services vast array of resources and sample materials for our campaign.

Question 19

What is the cost of the consultant’s services and how will we pay for these services?

Accepted Answer

Total fees for Jill’s services will come to $13,480, which equals 10% of Trinity’s annual pledges.  Trinity has already paid $2,696 from operating funds.  We plan to pay the remaining $10,784 from the Steeple Preservation Fund started in 2023.  That way, 100% of the Capital Campaign proceeds can be used for the projects.

Question 20

What if my situation changes and I am unable to completely fulfill my commitment?

Accepted Answer

Should your situation change at any time, please contact our church treasurer at trinitynorthborotreas@gmail.com to adjust your commitment as needed.

Question 21

Who has access to the campaign giving records?

Accepted Answer

The church treasurer, financial secretary, and chair of the Capital Campaign Recording/Follow-up Task Group are the only people with access to the campaign giving records.

Question 22

Where will the Campaign funds be held?

Accepted Answer

Money donated to the Capital Campaign will be held in an interest-bearing account.  For accounting purposes, the funds will be kept separate in the church records until used for capital projects.  The account and financial records will be monitored by the Finance and Property Committee and overseen by the Church Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.

Question 23

Will there be an opportunity to make a gift in honor or memory of someone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may designate a gift to be in honor or in memory of someone.

Question 24

Will my gift be publicly acknowledged?

Accepted Answer

Trinity may list donors to the campaign on its website or other public documents without designating the amount of anyone’s gift.  If you wish to remain anonymous, Trinity will respect that request.

Question 25

Who is heading up the capital campaign?

Accepted Answer

Tim Cashmore is serving as our Campaign Administrator.  He oversees and supports the Campaign Executive Team (CET) consisting of Pastor Will Seals, Beth Buckley, Peter Carlsen, Rae Carlsen, Dave Chin, Tom Danforth, Neal Firth, Lynn Garry, and John Posluszny.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Trinity Church having a capital campaign now?

How long will the Campaign run?

What is our goal?

Isn’t the campaign goal amount just an estimate? How did we arrive at it?

What is the total cost of the steeple restoration?

What will happen if funds given to the Campaign exceed our $500,000 goal?

What projects will be funded if we do not meet our $500,000 Campaign goals?

Will we have to wait for all the money to come in before we begin the projects?

Does Trinity anticipate the need for any additional financing beyond the Capital Campaign?

How can I support the campaign?

How do I make a commitment?

When will I need to make my commitment?

How much time do I have to fulfill my commitment?

Why are we including $30,000 to repay our Capital Fund?

Can funds given to the Capital Campaign be used for anything else?

How will we select the contractors who do the work?

Is a Restore, Renew, Rejoice! Campaign contribution separate from our regular, annual pledge?

Why do we need a Capital Campaign consultant?

What is the cost of the consultant’s services and how will we pay for these services?

What if my situation changes and I am unable to completely fulfill my commitment?

Who has access to the campaign giving records?

Where will the Campaign funds be held?

Will there be an opportunity to make a gift in honor or memory of someone?

Will my gift be publicly acknowledged?

Who is heading up the capital campaign?

TRINITY Church
of northborough

Frequently asked questions

Why is Trinity Church having a capital campaign now?

How long will the Campaign run?

What is our goal?

Isn’t the campaign goal amount just an estimate? How did we arrive at it?

What is the total cost of the steeple restoration?

What will happen if funds given to the Campaign exceed our $500,000 goal?

What projects will be funded if we do not meet our $500,000 Campaign goals?

Will we have to wait for all the money to come in before we begin the projects?

Does Trinity anticipate the need for any additional financing beyond the Capital Campaign?

How can I support the campaign?

How do I make a commitment?

When will I need to make my commitment?

How much time do I have to fulfill my commitment?

Why are we including $30,000 to repay our Capital Fund?

Can funds given to the Capital Campaign be used for anything else?

How will we select the contractors who do the work?

Is a Restore, Renew, Rejoice! Campaign contribution separate from our regular, annual pledge?

Why do we need a Capital Campaign consultant?

What is the cost of the consultant’s services and how will we pay for these services?

What if my situation changes and I am unable to completely fulfill my commitment?

Who has access to the campaign giving records?

Where will the Campaign funds be held?

Will there be an opportunity to make a gift in honor or memory of someone?

Will my gift be publicly acknowledged?

Who is heading up the capital campaign?

TRINITY Church of northborough

TRINITY Church
of northborough