Gifts of Cash

Nothing is as simple and direct as giving cash. You can make a general donation, which we direct toward our annual ministry plan (formerly budget) or designate a large gift for a specific purpose such as debt retirement. However, you aren't limited to giving cash. In fact your tax benefits may be greater if you donate other property, such as assets that have appreciated in value.

Gifts of Securities

Stocks or other investments that have grown in value and that you have held for more than one year can become a substantial gift made at a low net cost to you. You receive a charitable deduction for the donation of these assets, and it's based on their fair market value on the date of the gift. But there's a bonus-- you avoid all federal capital gains tax that would otherwise be due on a sale of the assets. You may even tithe with stock all year and take your cash normally used for tithing and develop a stock portfolio just for future tithing and special giving to God’s work.

Or, take a capital loss yourself. If you own securities worth less now than when you purchased them, sell them and contribute the proceeds. Then you can take a capital loss on your tax return, subject to certain limitations, and a charitable deduction for the gift of the proceeds.

The church has its own brokerage account and all transactions can be accommodated electronically, without actual stock certificates changing hands.

Gifts of Real Estate

At this time we are not prepared to accept gifts of real estate.

Gifts of Life Insurance

As you review your year-end financial status, remember that a no-longer-needed life insurance policy is a viable gift. Policies that are paid up may be deductible as gifts for their approximate replacement value. Policies that still require premiums to be paid can be given while you continue to pay the premiums, prompting income tax deductions when the church is named both owner and beneficiary. A new policy on your life naming the church as beneficiary guarantees the church a future gift as well, depending on state law.

Gifts That Provide Income for Life

Many givers find themselves in a position of holding assets that would make beautiful gifts at some time in the future but are currently required to provide for present needs. By placing such property into a charitable remainder trust, a unique gift arrangement can be made that would provide income for a donor and/or a donor's beneficiary. At the end of a specified period (such as the donor's or the beneficiary's lifetime, or a term of 20 years), the remainder of the trust assets would be given to the church.

Charitable remainder trusts are built with assets you contribute, such as securities, appreciated property, or cash. Once placed in trust, the assets can be sold (avoiding capital gains tax) and the proceeds reinvested to produce a higher yield for the donor and/or other beneficiaries. Such an arrangement creates an immediate income tax deduction (based on such factors as the beneficiary's age and the amount of annual income). When you fund the trust with highly appreciated assets, there is no recognition of capital gains. The trust allows personal needs to be met, and it provides a wonderful gift for the church.