Capital Campaign FAQ - Saint Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church

What is the goal for Phase 1 &2 of St. Stanislaus Kostka’s Capital Campaign?

The total campaign goal is to raise between $2,500,000-$3,000,000 over three years. During Phase 1, we will address repairs to the bell towers which will cost between $1M-$1.3M. This includes repairs to the pre-cast columns and cracks in the walls of the towers from mortar joint failure.

Phase 2 will address the remaining masonry walls of the church, which includes all other spalled bricks and tuckpointing the rest of the church façade. An evaluation and required repair will be conducted to secure the 87 stained glass windows, with the 2 rose windows being most vulnerable. Previous repairs were made with an improper mortar which is contributing to the deterioration of the building. The cost for Phase 2 is estimated to be $1.4 M.
What will happen during this phase of the campaign?

St. Stanislaus Kostka contracted with Partners for Sacred Places (Partners) to work with us as we launch the first phase of the capital campaign to repair the bell towers. Partners has already assisted St. Stanislaus Kostka by conducting a feasibility study which determined we could raise between $2.5M-$3M. Partners will also be conducting an Economic Halo of Sacred Places SM Study to determine St. Stanislaus’ annual economic impact in Michigan City. Additionally, Partners is going to help us in facilitating a Community Asset Mapping event that will bring community stakeholders into the building to learn about St. Stanislaus Kostka’s existing assets which can lead to new projects, initiatives, collaboration, ministries and potential community donors.

Partners will also be providing support in securing potential internal and external gifts and funders to donate to the campaign, providing communication material support and coordinating many aspects of the capital campaign with the steering committee and task forces.
Who is leading the campaign?

The Steering Committee is led by co-chairs Camille Higdon, Jane Eisele, and Rosemary Bunton. Members of the Steering Committee include Brad & Katie Collignon, David Dimitroff, Angie Frye, Charlie Keene, Abby Knoll, Dave Mankowski, Belinda Potoma, and Debbie Rose. They will also help coordinate various task forces. Partners for Sacred Places is coordinating the campaign with the Steering Committee and task forces.
Why is it important to have 100% participation from the parish in a capital campaign?
How do I donate?

Every gift is important! We will have members of the steering committee, task forces, and other church members trained to make on-to-one gift asks of parishioners. Each potential gift “ask” will be made carefully and with consideration for each person’s circumstances. Each St. Stan’s member should wait to be asked for a gift. Please contact the Co-chairs to arrange a time to meet.
When I make a pledge now, how long can I spread out my gift?
How can I gain more information on the campaign?
How many grants have we received so far?

St. Stanislaus received a $400,000 matching grant from Sacred Places Indiana, a program of Indiana Landmarks, which is funded by the Lilly Endowment. This grant was one of only ten awarded statewide. It is a major achievement. Indiana Landmarks also awarded St. Stanislaus a non-matching $25,000 planning grant to be used for Phase 1 of the project.
In addition, we are recipients of the very prestigious National Fund for Sacred Places grant. This is another matching grant for $250,000. The National Fund is a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and funded by the Lilly Endowment. We were one of only 24 congregations nationwide selected to receive this grant and chosen from approximately 500 applicants! We are also the only congregation from Indiana.
Is there anything else that I should know about the Capital Campaign that is important to share?