Diocese of York / Generosity & Stewardship / Generous Giving during COVID-19 / Cost Minimisation Advice

While it is important to explore ways to raise awareness of the importance of giving at this time, we recognise that some income streams may be affected. It is therefore good practice to also review your expenditure, and look at ways that might be possible to minimise cost. The following list is a suggestion of things you might want to consider for your parish. For a more detailed and printable version of this cost minimisation advice, you can download it by clicking here.

1. Turn off unnecessary electrical devices, and turn the heating down

If your heating has controls that make it possible, a minimum temperature (recommended no lower than 7c) to protect from frost should be maintained within the property. Check manufacturers’ instructions about turning off kitchen equipment. If you turn off the mains supply, check there are no unexpected consequences, such as turning off any alarms, organ humidifier or communications devices.

2. Explore offers on Parish Buying

Click here to register for an account and sign up to their regular newsletter, which enables you to see the latest discounts and offers. They also have a range of buying guides to help with the procurement process. Particularly while online giving is important, it is worth looking at the offers from Data Developments, including MyGiving.Online Donations Software.

3. Adopt advice from Ecclesiastical Insurance regarding the safety and maintenance of church buildings

Click here to see the helpful safety and maintenance checklist from Ecclesiastical for those responsible for church buildings which are currently out of use. Further advice on securing and caring for your church buildings is available from the Archbishops’ Council, and the Diocesan Church Building webpages.

4. Consider furloughing employees through the Job Retention Scheme

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is a temporary scheme designed to support employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus. Employers can use a portal to claim for 80% of employees on a leave of absence, and is open to all UK employers.

5. Utilise support offered to all Treasurers in the Diocese of York through ACAT

Every Treasurer in the Diocese of York has a membership with Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT), that gives you access to help and advice on all matters relating to training and information on accounting, financial, legal and other related issues. We encourage you to take full advantage of this membership to get help and support. Maureen Diggins can provide you with the login details if you have forgotten them.

Other advice and support

There is plenty of advice on the Generous Giving pages including our Top Tips for sustainability to maintain church income.
There is a discounted version of Zoom available for charities and churches. If you are going to be using it a lot, definitely worth investing in.

For a more detailed and printable version of this cost minimisation advice, you can download it by clicking here.