The Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen and the Rev. Nicole Benevenia serve as our campaign co-chairs. The Rev. Jamie Hamilton, who co-chaired the From Deep Roots, New Life campaign in 2023-2024 is serving as the campaign advisor. Shelli Gay, the diocese’s director of development & stewardship, who formerly managed the From Deep Roots, New Life campaign, is directing the youth ministry campaign. The Campaign Committee is made up of both clergy and laity representing many of our churches and towns. The full list is available in the case statement. 

Each year the Trustees of the Diocese vote on the endowment draw. Over the past 5 years, that draw has been between 4.5% and 5%. 

At an estimated annual endowment draw of 4.8%, this $500,000 fundraising initiative, when all pledge payments have been fulfilled, will generate approximately $24,000 annually. The 2026 budget for youth ministry, which includes programming and staff, is $11,000. This campaign will more than double the diocese’s youth ministry budget!

Bishop Rob Hirschfeld, who is in the final year of his episcopate, has identified fundraising in support of youth ministry as one of his top priories.  

The working goal is $500,000. Depending on what is committed during the silent phase will determine the final goal announced at annual convention, which is the launch date for the public phase.  

The campaign budget is $27,200. The budget includes a campaign consultant, printed materials, website development, graphic design services, communications support, video production, wealth screening, and postage.

The silent phase begins in September 2026. We will launch the public phase at annual convention in October 2026. The campaign is scheduled to end in January 2027.   

The goal of this campaign is to work with stakeholders (children and young adults, parents and grandparents, congregation leaders throughout the wider Episcopal Church, and ministry partners) to determine the optimal way for the Diocese of New Hampshire to expand its current youth ministry program. This will include offering diocesan-wide programs, and supporting our churches, big and small, in impactful and creative ways.

Several of our churches have thriving youth ministry programs that are supported by paid staff and volunteers. Many of our churches do not have the resources or capacity to create programing for the small number of children and youth in their congregation. Supporting this campaign will allow the diocese to strengthen and expand its programs for children and youth across the state so all young people seeking a spiritual community of their peers can find one.

Check. Credit Card. Marketable Securities. For a full list, please see the gift acceptance policy and/or commitment form. 

The pledge period is three years, but we will happily work with any donor who needs a five-year pledge period in order to make their maximum gift and meet their personal goal of supporting this campaign effort. 

Yes, we will accept and encourage donors to reach out to their employer to see if they have a matching gift program. 

Yes, there are various reasons a donor may prefer to make their gifts anonymously and the Diocese will respect that. A gift receipt will still be sent to the donor, and their gift will be listed in the Annual Report as “anonymous.”

The Diocese has not identified naming opportunities within this campaign, but leadership is willing to discuss naming opportunities with any donor for whom that level of recognition might be appropriate. 

Yes, all donors are invited to make a pledge to the youth ministry campaign and to consider adding the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire to their estate plans. 

Yes, The Protestant Episcopal Church of New Hampshire (PECNH) accepts gifts for purposes that will help it further and fulfill its mission. Decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, shall be made by the Trustees of the PECNH, in consultation with the bishop. A copy of the policy will be added to the campaign website. All gift acceptance questions should be directed to Lauren Tennent, CFO, Diocese of New Hampshire: ltennett@nhepiscopal.org, 603.224.1914 ext. 122.