The Diocese of Algoma Finance Department is sharing a comprehensive early-year update to support parishes and ministry units as they prepare for vestries, complete year-end reporting, and attend to charitable compliance responsibilities.
Parish Budget Package: Planning for 2026 and Reporting for 2025
To assist parishes with 2026 budget preparation and 2025 year-end reporting, the Diocese has made a full set of forms and reference documents available online.
📄 Access the Parish Budget Package here: 👉 https://dev.dioceseofalgoma.com/ministry-resources/parish-budget-package/
The Parish Budget Package includes documents related to:
· 2026 budget planning, including employment cost changes and apportionment calculations
· 2025 financial and statistical reporting
· Insurance, governance, and compliance requirements reviewed at vestry
Documents available include:
· 2026 Budget Letter
· 2026 Budget Worksheet (for parish use only)
· Apportionment 2026
· Stipend Return
· Screening in Faith – Parish Participation Report
· Full Replacement Insurance Report
· Parish Officials 2026
· Endowment Income Form
· Statistical Form 2025
· Financial Return Spreadsheet 2025 (PDF and Excel versions)
· Declaration of Not Being an Ineligible Individual (for parish records)
· Synod Delegates Form (for use in 2027)
Each document clearly indicates whether it is for reference only or must be printed, signed, and submitted.
February 28, 2026: Diocesan Reporting Deadline
📅 All required diocesan reports and forms must be received by the Synod Office by February 28, 2026.
Submitting materials by this date supports timely diocesan reporting and ensures parishes remain in good standing for governance, financial, and insurance purposes.
Charitable Donation Receipts and Thank-You Letters
As parishes complete year-end financial work, the Finance Department also encourages attention to charitable donation receipting.
· Best practice is to issue charitable donation receipts by the end of February
· Parishes are encouraged to include a brief letter of thanks with receipts, as a meaningful way to acknowledge generosity and strengthen relationships with donors
These practices support good stewardship, transparency, and pastoral care.
Charity Information Returns (CRA)
Parishes are also reminded that Charity Information Returns (T3010) for the 2025 fiscal year must be filed with the Canada Revenue Agency by June 30, 2026.
While this deadline falls later in the year, early preparation using the financial return documents in the Parish Budget Package is strongly encouraged.
Questions or Assistance
If you require assistance completing any forms or have questions about reporting, budgeting, or charitable compliance, please contact:
Jennifer Baron Chief Financial Officer, Synod Office 📞 705-256-5061 ext. 24 📧 jennifer.baron@dioceseofalgoma.com
Questions specific to Screening in Faith may also be directed to Abiola O’Naiyese, Administrative Assistant.