Philanthropy

Mission Statement: Grow and meet the philanthropic needs of St. Nicholas Church and of the community at large. Perpetuate the legacy left to us and regard philanthropy not as simple charity but as a Christ-based mission.

Goals

  1. Foster the concept of a “community of philanthropic givers” among the various organizations at St. Nicholas, e.g. Parish Council, youth groups, church school, adult societies, etc., to broaden the base of parish giving.
  2. Coordinate the church calendar for fund-raising events so as to not take away from the parish’s ability to meet its mission of philanthropy.
  3. Continue to develop a new generation of Philoptochos members through encouragement of the Junior Philoptochos Committee formed in 2005. Work in harmony, offer support of their philanthropic events, and provide an environment where these younger members can meet and flourish.
  4. Increase the participation base by creating “plateaus” of membership whose levels of giving would serve to supplement the current Philoptochos pledge system. This would provide Philoptochos greater means to meet its philanthropic goals, both within St. Nicholas as well as to the community at large. To appoint a Membership Chairman and committee to have personal contact with members.
  5. Increase its active outreach plan to promote and facilitate charitable work from non-member parishioners and other church groups. Become a strategic planner for the overall philanthropic activities of St. Nicholas to encourage others to assist Philoptochos in conducting its philanthropy.
  6. Develop programs of common interest designed to inform our community and promote a sense of philanthropy throughout the parish.
  7. Working within the Philoptochos membership as well as through other avenues such as local and national agencies, identify those in need and target them for assistance. That assistance could be financial as is the case for popular causes, but could include providing comfort to the infirmed, company for shut-ins, and basic necessities for the destitute.

Plan

  • Underway now – Create three levels of Philoptochos member stewardship to answer our philanthropic challenge. Appointed membership chairman.
  • Underway – Institute a long-range philanthropy plan within St. Nicholas Church.
  • Spring 2007 – Establish an outreach initiative designed to bridge the generations and benefit a common cause. Encourage the idea of including the children of members in these outreach efforts to develop their sense of philanthropic responsibility.
  • Spring 2007 – Initiate a program to raise the parish’s general interest in philanthropy and social conscience through presentations, lectures, and seminars.
  • Fall 2007 – Through our parish priests, strengthen the bond between St. Nicholas and other metropolitan churches to better coordinate our outreach initiative.
  • Concurrent with construction of the family life center, utilize this new facility to host the many Philoptochos, IOCC, and outreach events currently held at St. Nicholas Church, neighboring churches, and hotels.