Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

Tools for Finance

L.E.A.D.E.R. - The Mission Driven Budget It’s no secret. Parish budgets usually aren’t dynamic or compelling. They’re a series of numbers trapped in straight lines. Context is everything. In the right context, those numbers are the legend to a map: Where did we come from? Where are we going? How far have we come?
Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs A comprehensive, user-friendly manual which supports the increasingly complex work of all treasurers and parish administrators. Available in English and Spanish.
Discretionary Funds: Guiding Principles Principles for managing clergy discretionary funds.
Electronic Giving Card: For Offering Plate If parishioners give electronically, how will their offerings get blessed? "I give electronically" cards may be the answer.
Pledge Drive & Plate Offering Analysis Worksheet If you were to analyze giving and pledging trends in your congregation, what trends and patterns would you realize? This worksheet may help you begin this process.
How to Prepare for a Capital Campaign A capital campaign is an opportunity to identify new leaders and create opportunities for mission and service.
Calculating Cost of Space Use at Your Church How much should your church charge outside groups for short-term use or long-term rent of your space? This worksheet can help with the answer.
Narrative Budget Template Have you thought about building your congregation's budget around your mission story? Here's a template to help you get started.
Scripture to Encourage Giving What does the Bible say? Here are a few passages of scripture that are often used for bible study, stewardship campaigns, or communication materials to reflect on God's gifts to us and our call to respond in gratitude.
Easy to Understand Treasurer's Report to the Vestry Use this template for a financial report that is easily understood by all on the vestry.
Request for a Proposal (RFP) for your Endowment How, when and why issue an RFP for your Endowment Funds?
FRG Resources for Budgeting The Budget: Strategy In Action
FRG Resources for Stewardship Stewardship Is A Way of Life
FRG Resources for Clergy Who Does What?
Finance Resource Guide Tools and Resources Welcome to your gateway to online resources related to ECF’s Finance Resource Guide.
Support Your Parish or Favorite Episcopal Charity Now ECF staff discuss ideas and means by which you can make a charitable contribution to your local parish or other Episcopal charity during COVID-19.
Congregational Vitality Assessment The Congregational Vitality Assessment is designed to provide congregations with an assessment of its Vitality (how healthy it is) and its Sustainability (whether it has the people, financial, and contextual resources necessary to survive).
Resources from ECF to enliven your ministries ECF's resources for vitality and innovation equip leaders to bring about transformation and positive change in our communities.

Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Tools for Finance