Giving thanks for joyful givers – Parish Giving Scheme sees an upward shift
Average monthly giving through the Parish Giving Scheme in Hereford Diocese has climbed above £12 per person per week for the first time, after a larger-than-usual increase. The increase in our diocese shows the value of giving through the Parish Giving Scheme, which enables parishioners to sign up digitally (or by telephone or post) to give a regular amount on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. Added benefits include an opt-in to an annual increase in line with inflation, and the streamlined collection and payment of Gift Aid to recipient churches every month.
Over 54% of givers have opted in to the inflationary increase, which provides a helpful reminder to review our giving to the church every year, and nearly 90% of givers have added Gift Aid to their gifts, representing a monthly payment of nearly £30,000 to churches across the diocese.
Mark Simmons comments: “It is encouraging to see this upward trend. £12 per person per week is considerably more than the average gift left in the offertory plate when people go to church, especially if they do not go to church every week. Two-thirds of churches in the diocese have already signed up to the scheme, which also makes it easy for people to support their local church even if they are not regular attenders, and it’s heartening to see the beginnings of a shift in attitudes towards giving and generosity. We will be continuing to encourage the 120 churches in the diocese who are not yet part of the Parish Giving Scheme to sign up over the coming year. The Scheme is free to join, and from next year will be funded entirely by the Church Commissioners on behalf of every parish.“
For further information or support in setting up the scheme for your church please email Mark Simmons or Rosa Speyer, our Diocesan Giving Advisers or see our web page here.
- ENDS -