Diocese of York / Generosity & Stewardship / Mechanisms of Giving / Parish Giving Scheme

The Archbishop of York introduces the Parish Giving Scheme

In a short video, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, introduces and endorses the Parish Giving Scheme within our diocese.

"We're launching this Scheme which is quite simply the simplest and most efficient way for people to give as generously as they can to the work and witness of the Church - so please look into using the Parish Giving Scheme in your church."

What is the Parish Giving Scheme?

The Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) is a 21st Century approach to offset one of the greatest threats to parish income which is static giving. Donations through this Scheme are made by Direct Debit, and can be given on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. Each donation is directed to that individual's parish church, and PGS claims the Gift Aid on your behalf.

If this Scheme becomes the principal giving method for your church, you will be offering inflation-proofed giving, maximising your administration. This will release your parish to focus on other important priorities.

Benefits include:

fewer cash donations means it is lower risk for volunteers counting and banking money
donors have the option to increase their gift by inflation, maintaining the value of their gift and sustaining the church's mission and ministry
donors can set up their giving through a phone service or a paper form, depending on their preference
Gift Aid is claimed by the Scheme, so administration for your local church is reduced, saving time and work
the Scheme is offered free of charge to churches and donors
the Scheme transfers the gift and the Gift Aid to your parish bank account on a monthly basis, improving cash flow and the security of gifted income

Registering your Parish

The Parish Giving Scheme is available across the Diocese of York from June 2020, and so from now any parish can register and promote the Scheme to your community. In order to be a part of the Scheme, your PCC must first agree to register for the Scheme, and complete a Registration Form which can be downloaded here. Once you have completed your Registration Form, you will need to send it along with emails from your signatories and a paying in slip to your Diocesan Giving Adviser. If you are not already working with a Giving Adviser, the team can be contacted here.

We recommend that, once you are able to, pass a resolution for which a certificate can be downloaded here.

A guide to registering you parish can be downloaded here.

Promoting PGS to your community

As PGS is a mechanism for giving, rather than a motivational tool, it is strongly recommended that you promote the Scheme alongside an appropriate Giving Programme, which facilitates a more prayerful and fruitful response rooted in discipleship. Your Giving Adviser can help you to plan and deliver this, and will provide you with useful resources and template materials.

To find out more about top tips for running Generous Giving Programmes, please click here.

If you would like to find out more about the Parish Giving Scheme, please click here to visit their website, or click here to contact the Generous Giving Team.

Useful Downloads

The following resources have been created to help you discuss and promote the Parish Giving Scheme in your church. Hard copies of some materials are available free of charge, and templates can be edited by contacting the Generous Giving Team.