Calculating Your 2025 Pledge

How much should I give?

The question of how much to pledge toward this year’s pledge drive is a matter of prayer and personal discernment for each of us. We offer a few ideas for how you might approach it.

Traditional Tithing. Tradition, based on bible passages, suggests making a tithe of 10% of household income. We recognize 10% may be a stretch, particularly in a place like Sonoma County, which has very high housing costs and other costs of living. But tradition can provide a useful point of reference as you consider your pledge amount.

Average Contribution. Surveys of pledge-giving suggest that most people pledge somewhere between 2.5% and 5% of household income. You don’t have to “keep up with the Joneses,” but considering the “average” contribution can help you imagine what is possible and realistic in your own budgeting and giving.

Last Year’s Amount, Plus. Another way to approach your pledge is to start with your last year’s pledge amount and see whether you can increase it 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. If all us of could increase our pledges 5%, this year’s pledge collection will at least keep up with inflation and cost of living increases. If we can all increase our pledges by 20%, we could make a meaningful reduction in our deficit and move toward financial sustainability.
For, example, if your last year’s pledge amount was $4,000, you could consider increasing your pledge to $4,200 (5%), or $4,400 (10%), or $4,600 (15%), or $4,800 (20%).

Giving Back, Giving Forward. Incarnation holds a special place in our hearts. Consider what Incarnation means to you and your household, the role it plays in the lives of your friends and neighbors, the good it is doing in the community and the world. Reflect on whether and how much you can contribute financially to support the incredible work being done here.

A ll Pledges Welcome. You have a place at Incarnation irrespective of whether or how much you pledge. What if you don’t have $1,000 to give, but you still want to participate? Wonderful! Pledge $5, or $10, or $25, or whatever amount you are able to give. Each and every pledge, regardless of the amount, will be accepted with immense gratitude.