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Frequently asked questions
General
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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