There is an openness to a diocesan-wide fundraising campaign – if it is grounded in parish realities, shaped by transparent communication and delivered with an invitational spirit.
That’s one of the key findings in the final report of the diocese’s Planning Feasibility Study, which wrapped up in April. The report is available on the diocese’s website at www.toronto.anglican.ca/feasibility-study.
In partnership with the diocese, M&M International, a Toronto-based consulting agency, undertook a feasibility study to assess the readiness, capacity and support for a proposed diocesan-wide capital campaign of $45 million over five years. Through 245 confidential interviews, nine open forums and 18 regional deanery meetings, the study gathered input from a broad cross-section of the diocesan community.
“These conversations offered deep insight into parish realities, priorities and the perceived feasibility of a major campaign,” says the report.
The study found that while 89 per cent of respondents expressed a level of support for the campaign’s proposed case for support, there was a clear desire for greater focus, clarity and alignment with urgent parish needs. “Trust, transparency and a well-paced, grassroots approach emerged as central themes,” it says.
M&M International found that the diocese would benefit from refinements to the case for support, stronger communications strategies and a readiness phase before launching a campaign. It recommended a revised campaign goal of $25-$30 million, contingent on implementing the recommendations in the report. It also recommended a minimum 70/30 sharing formula, meaning that 70 per cent of funds raised were retained by the parishes while 30 per cent were for diocesan initiatives.
Several initiatives in the case for support emerged as clear priorities, based on the respondents’ feedback. These included growing the capacity of churches, faith formation and discipleship, parish and diocesan-wide outreach, empowering leaders, invigorating generational ministries, shifting from maintenance to mission, and listening to and walking alongside Indigenous communities and taking prayerful action.
“These initiatives reflect deeply held values across the diocese – spiritual renewal, strong local ministry, future-ready leadership and better infrastructure to support mission,” says the report. “Respondents asked for detailed implementation strategies and emphasized the need for ongoing diocesan support that enables – not replaces – local action.”
Initiatives that received more modest support included parish-led advocacy, imaginative regional ministry, innovative parish initiatives, transforming and greening churches, and caring for neighbours. “Feedback on these areas included concerns about overlap with existing programs, perceived redundancy, and timing or lack of clarity on diocesan vs. parish responsibility,” says the report. “For instance, building improvements were widely recognized as urgent, but many felt they should be addressed through proceeds from the sale or lease of diocesan assets – not additional parish fundraising.”
The study concluded that a refined and prioritized case for support, with a reduced overall financial goal and clear articulation of parish benefits, would be essential for broad endorsement. “Respondents often mentioned the importance of parishes setting their own goals, voluntary participation (in the campaign) and transparent communication from the diocese,” says the report. “Campaign success will depend on focusing on what is most needed, supported and likely to strengthen local ministry for years to come.”
Bishop Andrew Asbil said he was encouraged by the level of participation in the study and thanked respondents for their valuable input. “We heard a lot! Pieces of feedback standing out are that parishes are burdened, leaders are tired, and that our Synod Office can be a loving servant for our diocese. We also recognized a deep hunger and thirst for spiritual renewal, for faith formation, for empowering leaders, and for sharing Christ’s love with our communities. Above all, we heard that we are in this together. While we are 195 parishes, we are all followers gathered in a boat on the Galilean sea, hearing Jesus call to us from the shore. In this study, we heard our collective longing to answer Jesus’ call.”
He added, “As we move together to embrace the 20 Calls in our Cast the Net strategic plan, we know that financial support will be important at the parish level. Over the coming months, we will reflect on the results of this study and next steps for a campaign, including the formation of a prayer team to guide our discernment. Thank you for sharing your time and perspective with this study. There is work to be done, and the Spirit is moving in our diocese, calling us into the future in hopeful new ways.”
