For the first time last month I ventured into the subject of parish finances when I illustrated the importance to our parishes of giving by Gift Aid. In November our Diocesan Synod met at St John’s Church in Colchester where, as Chairman of the Budget Sub-Committee, I had the responsibility of presenting the 2009 Budget and seeking support for the amount to be distributed as Parish Shares.
Towards the end of my presentation I signalled the achievement of our parishes by comparing our income with that of the previous week’s BBC Children in Need Appeal. At the end of the evening’s broadcast the 2008 appeal had raised £21 million. I reported that in 2007 the regular income of our parishes was estimated to have been £26.9 million.
This pie chart gives the details which are for unrestricted and restricted income combined. The total income is £26,942,000 of which Gift Aid with the tax recovered contributes £12,390,000 (46%). When the other giving totalling £7,320,000 is added to this, the total received from mainly our members is £19,710,000 (73%). This is a huge achievement.
Parishes interested in an analysis of their finances may contact the Parish Finance Office (01245 294430) for more information. The Office can also help with Gift Aid.
Canon Don Cardy
30th November 2008