Twelve Ways of Giving: Spread the Spirit of Christmas Through Generosity

Posted
14th Nov 2024
News category
General

Twelve Ways of Giving: Spread the Spirit of Christmas Through Generosity

This Christmas, we warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the spirit of generosity and kindness. As a living church and cherished local landmark, our Cathedral is free to enter (though donations are welcomed and encouraged), and we rely on the support of our community to sustain its beauty and services. Every donation, no matter how small, helps ensure that this historic Cathedral remains open to all, providing a place of spiritual wonder in the heart of our community.

Join us in spreading joy and kindness through our Twelve Ways of Giving and together we can make a meaningful impact!

Nativity figures in front of the High Altar in the foreground, bright coloured tapestry in the background

1.  Give Regularly: Be a Pillar of Support
The Cathedral’s work depends on regular contributions. By committing to a regular gift, you help ensure the Cathedral’s ongoing maintenance and mission. Regular giving allows us to plan ahead and maintain the building, services and community activities that make our Cathedral so special. Or when you next visit the Cathedral, drop your loose change into one of our donation boxes or make a quick donation by card. Don’t forget to say yes to Gift Aid if you’re a UK taxpayer, it costs you nothing but helps us receive more from the government.

2. Give Through the Parish Giving Scheme: Simplify Your Support
The Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) offers worshippers an easy way to give via direct debit. It’s a simple, efficient way to ensure your donations reach us without any hassle. Plus, if you opt into Gift Aid, we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. Your consistent support helps us plan more effectively for the future.

3. Give for the Future: Leave a Legacy
Consider leaving a gift in your will to Chichester Cathedral. By including the Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust in your legacy, you’ll make a lasting contribution that will help protect and preserve this historic landmark, ensuring its survival for future generations. If you would like to discuss leaving a legacy please contact Alison George, Director of Fundraising, Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust E: alison.george@chichestercathedral.org.uk T: 01243 812480.

4. Give Your Time: Volunteer at the Cathedral
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to give back. Whether you have time for micro-volunteering or want to dedicate more time, your help is invaluable. Look out for details of our Volunteer Day on Saturday 25th January 2025, where our staff and volunteers will be on hand to talk about all the different ways you can give your time and talent to support our Cathedral.

Six women standing (some wearing Chichester Cathedral Library Aprons)around a table looking at historic artefacts, bookshelves in the background.

5.  Give Friendship: Become a Friend of Chichester Cathedral
Join the Friends of Chichester Cathedral and help support our mission! As a Friend, you’ll contribute to vital projects in art, music and education, while connecting with others who love this historic landmark. Enhance your experience and be part of a living history!

6. Give to Those in Need: Donate to the Foodbank
Our Cathedral serves as a year-round collection point for the Chichester District Foodbank and during Advent, we are increasing our efforts with additional collection points. In addition, we are also supporting Chichester's Rotary Clubs with their toys and clothes Christmas Appeal. Your donations of food, clothes and toys will bring pleasure to those struggling this Christmas.

7.  Give to Music: Support the Future of Our Choir
The Cathedral’s renowned Choir has inspired countless hearts with its beautiful music. To ensure this legacy continues, we’ve launched the Chichester Cathedral Platinum Endowment Trust for Music, aiming to raise £5 million. Your donation will help fund daily services, free concerts, bursaries for choristers, the organ scholarship and much more to keep the transformative power of music alive for generations to come.

In the foreground are adult and child choristers in white robs, mid ground is a man in white choral robes conducting,  in the background are people sitting in seats and above them Christmas foliage

8. Give to the 950 Campaign: Help Us Reach a Major Milestone
In celebration of our 950th anniversary in 2025, we’d love our community to help us raise £95,000! Whether you’re part of a local group, a business, or an individual, you can help by hosting a fundraising event, participating in a sponsored activity, or simply donating. Every contribution brings us closer to preserving the Cathedral for the next 950 years. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events and how you can get involved.

9.  Give to Celebrate: Join Us for Special Anniversary Events 
In 2025, the Cathedral celebrates its 950th anniversary with a series of unmissable events. On Saturday 17th May, join us for the unveiling of a plaque honouring Leonard Bernstein, followed by a special performance of his Chichester Psalms, along with a new composition inspired by the Psalms. On Sunday 15th June, enjoy the lively TrinityFest on the Green, a day of music, food and community fun. Then, on Saturday 11th October, experience a candlelit concert with Sir John Rutter and the Cathedral Choir, with exclusive tickets for a champagne reception and supper. Finally, from Friday 24th – Friday 31st October, don’t miss the spectacular light and sound installation, bringing the Cathedral’s rich history to life.

10. Give Through Christmas Shopping: Gifts That Give Back
Visit the Cathedral’s shop for beautiful Christmas cards and thoughtful gifts. This year’s Christmas card features our renowned choir. By purchasing your gifts here, you’ll be directly supporting the Cathedral.

A selection of Christmas gifts including candles, nativity decorations on a table.

11. Give Towards Accessibility and Sustainability: Building a Future for All
Chichester Cathedral is committed to becoming even more accessible and eco-friendly. Help us raise funds to install permanent accessibility ramps, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of our sacred spaces. We’re also working towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, with the recent lighting project marking a significant milestone. Your donations will help us continue this vital work.

12.  Give the Gift of Sharing: Spread the Word About Our Events
You can also support us by sharing information about the Cathedral and its events with your network of friends and family. From concerts and festivals to daily services and community events, there’s always something happening at Chichester Cathedral. By spreading the word, you may inspire others to attend, donate or volunteer.


With Gift Aid, Your Donation Goes Further If you’re a UK taxpayer, don’t forget to opt into Gift Aid when making a donation. This simple step allows us to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give, at no additional cost to you.

Posted
14th Nov 2024
News category
General