1. If a donor pledges by credit card, but doesn't sign the pledge form, will it be accepted?
Yes. However if someone disputes the charge then the charge will be automatically reversed and the Appeal will lose the gift. The only reason for not having a signature is if the donor provides their credit card number and expiration date by phone. (return to top)

2. Who is responsible for processing the charge?
The Project Advance office. Card processing will be handled only through the Project Advance office and the Archdiocesan Bank (The Royal Bank of Canada). (return to top)   

3. Does the parish need to make an imprint with the donor's card?
No. The pledge forms only need to be filled out as instructed. (return to top)

4. Are credit card pledges one-time only?
No, they don't have to be, a donor can set up a monthly charge plan thereby avoiding extra interest charges (bank charges) while stretching out payments for as long as 12 months. (return to top)

5. What date will a donor's credit card be debited each month?
The transactions will be processed either on the 14th or the 28th of each month. (return to top)

6. What is the In-Pew Solicitation method?
In order to provide all parishioners the opportunity to give, and in fairness to those who have already given, the In-Pew Solicitation method is offered in Mass. Parishioners who have not already given, will be asked to make a sacrificial pledge during Mass by filling out the Pledge form following a talk by Father or the Project Advance chair. (return to top)

7. Should a donor, using the In-Pew Solicitation, make a gift in Mass by cash or cheque?
No. When the In-Pew Cards are passed out in Mass, donors should make a pledge payable over time by either direct billing, direct debit or VISA/MasterCard. Donors should not give a gift by cash. This is for two reasons. First, it is impossible to trace cash and easy to lose. Second, Project Advance is a appeal and not a collection, so donors are asked to make sacrificial pledges. (return to top)

8. I made a pledge in May for $600 to be paid in 12 monthly payments of $50. My income tax receipt was only for $400. Why?
Tax receipts, in accordance with tax regulations, only include the actual amount received throughout the calendar year up to and including December 31st.  (return to top)

9. Can I use my spouse's receipt for my tax return?
Either partner can use the tax receipt regardless of the name printed on the receipt.  (return to top)

10. When will I receive my tax receipt?
The receipts will be issued in mid-February for the previous tax year. The receipts are mailed to the parishes. (return to top)

11. Can I transfer my gift to my relatives (other than my spouse) for income tax purposes?
Gifts should be made under the name of the person who intends to receive the receipt  for income tax purposes. (return to top)

12. I lost  my tax receipt, what should I do?
Phone the Project Advance office and we will issue a replacement. (return to top)

13. I recently moved. Who should I inform?
You should call both the parish and the Project Advance office and let them know your new address. If you receive a reminder notice with an old address, please correct it to your new one when you send it back. (return to top)

14. How do Pre-Approved Payments work?
Rather than write several post-dated cheques, pre-approved payments accomplish the same thing but are safer and more cost-effective to process. A direct debit is then made from the donor's chequing account. (return to top)  

15. How does Project Advance process a Pre-Approved Pledge?
The donor attaches a void cheque and indicates the monthly amount and number of payments to be debited on the pledge form. The cheque and pledge card are forwarded to the Project Advance office. (return to top)

16. What day will the bank debit a donor's account?
Pre-Approved payments will be debited on the 15th of each month, until the pledge is fulfilled. If this day falls on a weekend or Holiday, the debit will occur on the next working day.  (return to top)

17. Does the appeal accept cash?
Yes, but we don't encourage it for security reasons. It is impossible to trace a cash gift. Ask for a receipt whenever giving cash. (return to top)

18. Why are pledges now accepted over 12 months?
To accommodate donors who want to spread out their pledges and for those parishes that are on major capital appeals requiring larger than average pledges. This is an option for donors and not a requirement. Given the high volume of post-dated cheques many people are already extending payments beyond six months. (return to top)

19. Will pledge reminders be sent out for credit cards and pre-approvals?
No, Pledge reminders will only be sent for direct billing. (return to top)

20. I received a reminder notice but it doesn't show the payment I made recently. Why?
Payments received on or around the day of printing will not be reflected on the statement. If payment is made to parish it can result in delays. Should you have any questions please phone the Project Advance office. (return to top)