+ Building Our Family's Legacy +

The Campaign for Saint Margaret Mary Parish

1050 Robert Boulevard  ·  Slidell, Louisiana 70458

Frequently Asked Questions about our Campaign
 

Who will know how much I have given?

Only those in the church office who process your pledge will know if you have responded to the campaign and the amount of your pledge.  Campaign workers and others will not know how much you have pledged or given.

The confidentiality of your gift is important to us.  The amount of your pledge will be held in confidence and will not be used in any way without your permission.

Is there a particular amount we are all expected to give?

First and foremost we ask that you support our capital campaign through your prayers. We also ask you to consider supporting this effort financially at a level of personal generosity. Your willingness to give, when joined with the other members of the SMM family, is the measure of our success.

Please know that whatever you choose to pledge is deeply appreciated and serves to strengthen our parish. 

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes.  St. Margaret Mary Parish is an IRS Section 501(c) 3 charitable organization and gifts to this campaign are allowable under charitable deductions when you file your income tax.  

Does the Archdiocese keep any of the money we collect through this campaign?

No.  The Archdiocese does not keep any portion of the funds collected during this campaign.

Should I reduce my regular support for Saint Margaret Mary so I can make a larger pledge to this campaign?

No.  All gifts to the campaign are above and beyond what you are doing for the regular and special collections, as well as your support for our school fundraising programs.  These funds are needed to maintain the operations and programs of our parish and our school.

Pledges and gifts to this campaign will only be used for the stated goals of the campaign.

Can I make the payments over several months? Years?

Yes.  We have included payment schedules for 3 to 5 years.  For pledges of $25,000 or more, a pledge period greater than 5 years is acceptable.  Please use the pledge form (available on our website CLICK HERE or in the church office) to indicate your preferred schedule.   If you would like, someone from our church office will contact you to confirm your pledge arrangements.

Can I use stocks to fulfill my pledge? Other ways?

Yes.  In fact, for most donors, using gifts of appreciated property or stocks may be a great way to support the campaign and reduce your tax burden at the same time.  Please call the parish office if you need more information.

What will the parish do with the money we raise?

Saint Margaret Mary Parish will renovate our current church building, build a new early childhood learning center, and expand the existing Pre-K room into a youth center.  The estimated cost for these three projects is $3.5 million.

I would like to make a gift in memory of someone.  How do I do that?

We welcome gifts to the campaign in memory of a loved one.  Please include that with your pledge form and we will contact you to get all the details we need to make sure your gift is the tribute you hope.

How will we know how much money we have raised?

We will publish regular updates in the parish and school bulletins. 

When will construction start?

The church renovation and the Youth Center renovation will begin in late May 2008.    The first 3 classrooms of the Early Childhood Development Center  for 4-year olds are completed, with the 2nd set of 3 classrooms for 3-year olds to begin in 2008.