A Message from Archbishop Smith
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Each year, your support of Project Advance strengthens the life of your parish. Your generosity helps sustain ministries, outreach and pastoral care, while also supporting the wider mission of the Church throughout the Lower Mainland. For this, I am sincerely grateful.
St. Paul reminds us, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Your gift gives practical expression to this truth by strengthening both your parish and the wider Church. In this way, we are truly Stronger Together.
Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a difference. I invite you to support Project Advance 2026 as generously as your means allow.
Thank you for your faith, your generosity and your continued support of your parish.
May God bless you and your families abundantly.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
✠ Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Vancouver
What does my donation fund in 2026?
Parish Projects – approx. $4,000,000
In a typical year, most funds raised through Project Advance are returned to parishes for their projects. In 2025, $4.5M was rebated back to parishes. Each parish is required to reach an assigned goal, after which time, all funds raised are returned to the parishes.
Secondary School Construction Fund – $2,100,000
Funds the construction of new Catholic secondary school projects
Ministries & Services – $950,000
Chaplaincy
Pastoral ministry in health care facilities
Evangelization Programs
Alpha, Discover Discipleship, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, PREP
Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Parish youth and Archdiocesan young adult ministry training and support
Social Justice
Anti-human trafficking, refugee settlement, migrant farm workers, Door Is Open
Family Life Programs
Marriage preparation, parenting and marriage enrichment
Prison Ministry
Support for prisoners and former inmates, support for families/victims impacted by crime
Cultural Ministry
Ministry for Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hispanic peoples
First Nations Ministry
Ministry for Indigenous peoples
Vocations
Cultivation, formation, and training of seminarians
Parish Operational Support for Project Advance
Special Grants – $100,000
Grant recipients will be announced throughout the appeal.
According to industry standards, annual campaigns typically have an operational cost of 15%–25% of funds raised. For the Archdiocese of Vancouver, Project Advance expenses typically run at 4%–8% of the campaign.
How do I make my gift?
Donate Online
Make your donation by credit card or direct debit on our secure website and designate your parish as the recipient.
Donate Securities
You can donate publicly traded securities, bonds or mutual funds as a tax efficient way to give.
Donate by Phone or In-Person
Call or visit your parish office to donate by cheque or credit card. If unavailable call the Development Office at 604-683-0281 (ext. 323).
Planned Giving
To make a planned gift to Project Advance, contact the Development Office at 604-683-0281.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each parish in the Archdiocese is assessed a financial goal for Project Advance. Once that goal has been reached, all additional gifts (less the parish’s share of expenses) is returned to the parish for its own use. For example, parishes have used the rebate to fund upgrades to the parish, expand their buildings, replace equipment, etc. To date, over $100 million dollars has been rebated to our parishes. The Project Advance rebate is not subject to the cathedraticum tax.
Yes, if you make a monthly gift and would like to change your donation, please visit the following page and fill out a request: https://support.rcav.org/donation-changes.
Yes, using credit card or debit, you can make a one-time donation or monthly donation credited to the parish of your choice.
The transactions will be processed either on the 14th or the 28th of each month. You may indicate your preference on the pledge card. Otherwise, your payment will be processed as soon as possible.
Please note that installment payments are receipted at year end with the others. All other Project Advance tax receipts are printed in January and sent to the parishes so they can be distributed along with the parish receipt in February.
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 make the necessary changes on the reminder notice and return it to our office.
Please call the Project Advance Office at (604) 683-0281 and we will issue a replacement.
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.