SHCA Community Pledge

The vision is to create a spiritual, cultural, and community hub for Hindus and friends of the community in Surrey, open to all regardless of background. The mandir will host daily worship, festivals, cultural activities, children's classes, and support services, helping preserve heritage while serving future generations.

A pledge is your promise to contribute a specific amount over a period of time, such as monthly or annually, rather than giving everything at once. A one‑time donation is a single immediate contribution, whereas pledges help the committee plan cash flow and construction phases more reliably.

You can make or amend your pledge by completing the online pledge form on the mandir website or by contacting the SHCA office by email or phone. Once your pledge is registered, you can fulfil it via bank transfer, standing order, cheque, or card payment, using the reference details provided in your confirmation email or letter.

There is no strict minimum; we encourage everyone to give according to their means, as every contribution is valuable. You may choose a total amount and spread it over monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments, and the pledge form will usually allow you to select both amount and frequency.

All pledges go into the dedicated temple construction fund and are used exclusively for project‑related costs such as land, planning, construction, utilities, interiors, fixtures, and essential community facilities. Where specific sponsorship options are offered (for example a shrine, room, or murti), your contribution will be allocated to that area and acknowledged accordingly.

SHCA is a registered charity, and if you are a UK Taxpayer, eligible donations can usually be increased through Gift Aid, allowing the charity to claim an additional percentage from HMRC at no extra cost to you. To enable this, you must complete a valid Gift Aid declaration, either on the pledge form or separately, confirming that you pay at least as much UK tax as the charity will reclaim.

Yes, once you submit your pledge you will receive a written confirmation (by email or letter) summarising the amount and schedule. You can also receive receipts or statements for each payment upon request or automatically, which can help you keep records for your personal accounts or tax purposes.

In most cases you can dedicate your pledge or donation in memory of a loved one, on behalf of your family, or in the name of your business. Where appropriate, dedications may be included in donor walls, plaques, or special prayers, in line with the temple's recognition guidelines.

Yes, the project typically offers structured recognition levels for larger pledges, which may include mention on a donor wall, inscriptions on plaques, or sponsorship of particular areas or facilities. Details of these opportunities, including minimum amounts and conditions, are available from the temple committee and are designed to acknowledge generosity while keeping the focus on seva.

Funds for the temple project are kept in designated accounts, monitored by the trustees and finance team, and reported in regular financial updates to members. Annual accounts are prepared in line with charity regulations, and major decisions are overseen by the committee, ensuring that money is used responsibly and solely for the intended purpose.

The timeline usually includes stages such as land acquisition or lease, planning permission, detailed design, main construction, interior works, and finally the pran‑pratishtha and opening. An indicative schedule and key milestones will be shared on the website and updated as permissions, contractor timelines, and fundraising progress become clearer.

Yes, volunteering is warmly welcomed and can be as valuable as financial support, especially from professionals such as architects, engineers, legal advisors, planners, IT and communication specialists, and general helpers. You can register your interest through the website or by contacting SHCA, indicating your skills and availability so you can be matched to suitable seva.

We understand that circumstances can change, and you are always free to adjust, pause, or cancel your pledge at any time. All you need to do is contact the temple office or finance team, and they will update the records and, if applicable, help you amend any standing orders or payment arrangements.

Regular updates will be shared through the website, email newsletters, social media, and community meetings or sabhas. These updates will include photos, milestone reports, and financial progress so that you can see how your seva is directly contributing to building the mandir.

If you have any questions, you can reach the SHCA team via the contact details listed on the site, typically including an email address, contact form, and phone number. You are also welcome to speak to a committee member in person at community events or gatherings if that is more convenient.