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What are the main components of the campaign? 

• Expansion of the Church Narthex and Renovation of the Sanctuary
• Community Room and Kitchen Expansion
• New Corridor with Adoration Chapel that links the Church with the Community Room
• Parking Lot and Garage

 
What is the estimated cost of the entire project? 
Estimates are refined over time.  On October 22 our architect, J2 Studio, gave us an initial “Opinion of Probable Costs” for engineering and construction totaling approximately $9M.  This includes a contingency for inflation.
 
Are we trying to complete all the projects through this one campaign? 
That would be ideal.   Part of the cost of construction is simply gearing up to do the work. The contractor must bring in equipment, materials and manpower for the job at hand. Therefore, there can be some cost savings when bidding the project in its entirety.
                                                                  
Inflation is also a concern. Should we need to spread the work over several years, the overall cost would be significantly higher.                                            
Which projects will be done first? 
The sequencing of projects will be determined by the Pastor, architect, and a Building Committee comprised of parishioners skilled in the trades.  Three factors influence the sequencing: fundraising success, the urgency of the particular project, and the way completion of one project impacts the next.
 
For example, the parking lot is in rough shape, to a point where it creates safety concerns going to and from one’s car, especially in winter. It needs to be repaired and the cost of cement has recently come down, which favors doing the project early in the sequence.
 
That said, from a construction sequence point of view, we may not be able to do the entire lot at once. The south parking lot will be needed as a staging area for construction, and might best be done after the corridor connecting the church and community room are completed. Again, there are many variables to consider.
 
For now, it makes most sense to begin with the North parking lot. Next, the corridor comes early in the sequence because it will have bathrooms that will be needed while the Narthex construction is underway.
 
How long will construction take?  
Presuming we raise enough to do all four projects, it would take approximately two years to complete.
 
Will there be disruption to the Church schedule during construction?  
Even with work in the Sanctuary, we will not have to vacate.  Instead, a temporary altar will be set up in front of the existing altar.
 
I want to support the campaign, but don’t have a lump sum sitting in the checkbook.  May I pay a pledge over time?
Yes. You may make monthly or annual payments.
 
Some people make a single payment. We appreciate those who spread a pledge over 1 – 3 years, which allows you to have a greater impact.  Obviously, the sooner pledges are paid, the more advantageous to the parish.  If needed, pledges can be extended up to 5 years. However, longer pledges come with a bit more risk—no one knows what the future economy holds.
 
There is also flexibility in both the periodic amount and the date of the first payment. For example, let’s say a businessman had a tough year, but knows next year will be better, and wants to make his first payment in December 2025. That’s fine. Create a payment plan that suits your circumstances.
 
How much needs to be collected before construction begins?
To promote fiscal prudence, the Diocese of Bismarck mandates that major projects have 50% cash-in-hand and the balance pledged before they green-light construction. This is on a project-by-project basis.

For example, the entire parking lot is estimated at just over $2,000,000. If it were the first of four projects in the construction sequence, we would need $1,000,000 in cash and an equal amount in written pledges before the diocese would allow us to proceed with that line item.
 
Will we borrow money to jumpstart the construction? 
Currently, the parish has no debt, and if at all possible, Fr. Kovash would like to keep it that way.
 
That said, short term three-to-five year ‘bridge financing’ is often used by parishes so that construction can begin, even as people make payment on their pledges.  Without short term financing, parishes would need to wait years to collect all pledge payments, and then start construction.   At that point, inflation would likely increase the cost of the project.  This is why most parishes have a short term bridge loan — once it is clear that near term pledges will cover loan payments.
 
In most parish campaigns, 40% of the total goal is given the first year, with a significant amount in year two and three and a tapering off from there. In other words, many people ‘front-load’ their gifts, knowing it benefits the parish.
 
Once gifts and pledges are received, we can run a cash flow report to estimate monthly income and pair that against the urgency of expenditures. That done, we can determine whether short-term bridge financing is needed for a particular project.
 
In short, the decision to use bridge financing requires thought and good projections. On the one hand, we want to avoid financing costs. On the other hand, inflation is a constant concern prompting one to move quickly with projects.
 
May I contribute securities rather than cash? Are there tax-advantaged ways to give? 
Yes, but first check with your tax preparer, as there are a number of options. For example, many people make gifts of highly appreciated stocks or other securities. Some retired people take advantage of gifts direct from retirement accounts.  Many farmers find tax advantages in making gifts of commodities such as a load of grain. Your financial advisor can tell you about ways to give that best suit your circumstances. That done, make the transfer arrangements through Beth  in the parish office  (701) 223-3606 or email [email protected] .
 
May I pledge and/or make a gift online? 
Yes.  Go to the parish website www.ascensionbismarck.org and click on the “Let’s Go” button. There you will find a giving portal to make your gift with a credit card or bank debit card.
 
May I set up Automatic Withdrawal?  Make gifts via credit card?  
Yes.  If you would like the parish to initiate the withdrawal from your bank account, please stop by the parish office to pick up a form. You may also download it from our parish website www.ascensionbismarck.org. Click on the "Let's Go" button.   There you will find the form, "Let's Go Campaign - ACH Withdrawal Form".
 
Have we requested grants for any of the projects?
Foundations have specific criteria for projects they will fund. We will cross reference our projects with potential foundation grant makers and make application where eligible.
 
Are there any naming opportunities?
Yes.  If you would like to make a significant gift to memorialize a loved one or honor your family heritage, visit with Fr. Kovash.  Share your idea and he will be happy to explore possibilities. That said, from a spiritual perspective, we hope motivation for the common good will always be the primary motivation for giving.
 
Is there a construction manager to oversee the work? 
Yes.  J2 Studios, our architectural firm, will also serve as construction manager.
 
How much of the goal will go toward administrative / fundraising expenses?
Fr. Kovash has experience with campaigns, and feels it is not necessary to hire a campaign manager. With help from a campaign committee, he will lead the effort, saving considerable money.
 
With a $9M goal, we have budgeted about 0.2% of the goal for fundraising expenses. That includes writing materials,  web and printing costs, postage, posters, etc.