If We Build It…: A call for sustainability and growth

You might remember that famous line from Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.” That line—and the film itself—is about an act of faith.

Building Aldea has been exactly that: an act of faith. And to our delight… you came. This community has grown because people believed in something that didn’t yet exist—and helped make it real.

The 2026 Pledge Campaign, “If We Build It…”, is our opportunity to keep building—not just a place, but a living, breathing community of belonging, curiosity, and care.

Your financial pledge is a tangible way to invest in Aldea’s mission, support its growth, and create space for all the people who have yet to walk through our doors. Together, we’re not just dreaming about the future—we’re building it.

Why your pledge matters

We invite you to reflect on what Aldea means to you. Many of you are already giving—thank you for your generosity and commitment! Whether you’re a regular contributor or are considering pledging for the first time, now is the time to ensure that Aldea can move into the next stage of growth and continue to build our community and reach.

By making a pledge towards our goal of $115,000, you are helping Aldea plan for 2026 with clarity and purpose. Your commitment directly supports the resources we need to sustain our community—our Sunday experiences, our staff, our outreach, and the spaces where we gather.

How to Participate

Throughout November, we’ll be collecting pledge commitments. You can submit your pledge via a card or online via the button above. Your pledge is not a binding contract; rather, it’s a statement of intent that helps our leaders budget and plan for the year ahead.

Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck

In 2025, our average monthly unrestricted revenue has been $11,992. Meanwhile, our projected monthly expenses for 2026 are expected to be around $11,264.

What this means is simple: We’ve essentially been living month to month, covering our costs but without significant breathing room to grow, build reserves, or invest in the future of our community.

For 2026, we want to move beyond survival. That means…

Building reserve funds for unexpected expenses,

Investing in growth initiatives that strengthen our community,

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of what we’re building together.

To do that, we’ll need to grow our monthly revenue beyond our expenses in a meaningful way — not just to “keep the lights on,” but to fully live into the vision of Aldea. For these reason, our pledge goal for 2026 is $115,000. If we can secure that amount through pledges, we can confidently anticipate reaching our total operating budget and even creating a cushion through other donations and income from events.

How Are Funds Used at Aldea?

Here is a brief summary of the projected 2026 operating budget (a complete budget itemization is always available. Just ask!)

Staff—salaries, wages, taxes: 96,500

Sunday Experience: 5,000

Operations & Administration: 9,910

Building & Grounds: 24,000

TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET $135,410

What if My Circumstances Change?

We understand that life can be unpredictable. If your financial situation changes and you need to adjust or cancel your pledge, you absolutely have the freedom to do so. Just let us know, and we will make the necessary adjustments along the way. Our community can build together because we support one another through all of life’s changes.

When Am I Expected to Make My Contributions?

You can fulfill your pledge in a way that works best for you—whether it’s weekly, monthly, quarterly, or even annually. For Aldea’s financial health, weekly or monthly contributions are most helpful, as they provide a more stable and predictable cash flow, allowing us to plan more effectively throughout the year.

To make it easier, you can set up recurring payments through various methods:

• Paypal: Convenient for ongoing contributions.

• Zelle or Bill Pay through your bank: These methods have no processing fees, ensuring 100% of your contribution goes directly to Aldea.

Setting up recurring payments is a simple way to stay consistent with your pledge while supporting Aldea’s financial stability throughout the year. Visit aldeaspiritualcommunity.org/give for more information on setting up a payment.

Let’s Build It…

Aldea’s future is something we build together—one act of faith, one contribution, one open door at a time. What began as a shared dream has become a living, breathing community of hope, connection, and growth. We’ve weathered challenges and emerged stronger, and now, we look ahead to all that’s yet to be built. Your support is what turns vision into reality and creates space for those still on their way.

Thank you for considering your part in Aldea’s 2026 Pledge Campaign: If We Build It….