Frequently Asked Questions

What is pledging?

Pledging is the act of declaring a specific financial commitment to St. Bart’s over a specific period of time (for the annual pledge campaign, one year’s time). It is a spiritual discipline, rooted in scripture, of prayerfully considering what portion of the resources with which each of us has been so blessed we will share back with the church over the course of that period.

What is the pledge campaign at St. Bart’s?

The pledge campaign at St. Bart’s takes place each fall and is the annual parish-wide Initiative of considering and declaring our individual financial commitments to St. Bart’s for the coming year. On the basis of these commitments, our church leadership is able to plan its budget for that coming year.

What do pledged dollars pay for at St. Bart’s?

Your pledge dollars, broadly speaking, pay for all the things that collectively comprise our “life” as a parish each year: the costs associated with our robust calendar of worship, educational offerings for children and adults, social gatherings for our parish community, and our ministry to those beyond our parish walls. From heat and electricity to the glorious music of our choirs each week to the security and buildings teams who keep St. Bart’s a safe and welcoming space in the heart of midtown Manhattan, your pledge dollars make the life we share together as a parish possible.

Why does pledging matter?

The importance of pledging is twofold: First, pledging is a spiritual discipline of prayerful generosity that our faith tradition calls on us to engage in; it is a practice that is a fundamental aspect of our shared life as a parish. Second, pledging is important because it is the means by which our church leadership knows what financial resources it has to plan for the coming year programmatically and operationally.

How much should I give to the pledge campaign at St. Bart’s?

The spiritual practice of giving to the church is grounded in the tithe, emphasizing concepts of proportional giving and giving back to God and the church as a priority. 10% is the standard, but some begin with 5%, or even 1%,  if 10% feels out of reach to start.

We encourage you to pledge an amount that is significant in your charitable budget and prioritizes St. Bart’s. A pledge should be in an amount that is personally meaningful to you.

Can I give without pledging?

Yes. St. Bart’s is always grateful for the generosity and support of all its members and visitors in whatever way it is given. We encourage and place particular emphasis on pledged giving because of its rooting in our spiritual tradition and well as the important  fiscal planning that it facilitates.

What are St. Bart’s other sources of income?

St. Bart’s receives income supporting its general operating budget from a variety of sources, including event space rentals, athletic space rentals (pool and gym), and lease agreements (Children’s Academy & Inside Park), with some additional / limited funding released annually from our endowment. That said, the single largest source of income to our operating budget comes from individual pledges and giving.

Does St. Bart’s receive money from the Diocese of New York?

No. On the contrary, St. Bart’s pays an Apportioned Share to the Diocese each year out of its overall income. This practice is required for all parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

Haven’t the sales of transferable development rights secured St. Bart’s financial future?

No, the funds received have several restrictions associated with them, foremost of which is the breakdown and required allocations of the funds received. For St. Bart’s, the following breakdown and allocations apply:

• 10% of funds go to the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
• 75% of funds are restricted by the Landmarks Preservation Commission for restoration and preservation of the building.
• 15% of funds go to legal fees, transfer taxes, and other transaction costs. Remaining funds, if any, may be used at the discretion of the Vestry.

Additionally, these funds have not yet been receive and may not be in full until 2027. 

Does St. Bart’s have an unrestricted endowment?

St. Bart’s has a small unrestricted endowment from which the vestry has approved spending 3.5% annually to help fund operations. This is determined to be an appropriate amount that both maintains the endowed funds in perpetuity and allows earnings to accumulate. This draw from the endowment covered only 2% of the operating expenses of the 2025 budget. St. Bart’s therefore depends heavily on the generosity of the parish in each year’s pledge campaign to fund the operating budget.

I understand the need for annual giving at St. Bart’s, but what can I do to support the longer term financial well-being of the parish?

Planned giving is an ideal way to help secure the church’s longer term financial well-being. St. Bart’s created the Mosaic Society to recognize individuals who have included it in their estate plans. Click here to learn more.