An over and above gift to Christian Tabernacle during the next two or three years is an offering that is above the Lord’s tithe and previous commitments to missions or other special projects. The best path to increased giving is always the spiritual concept of “setting your heart on things above.”
Here are some creative ideas to escalate your giving:
- Practice Priority Budgeting
Many families increase their giving during this period by rearranging their priorities and choosing to abandon all unnecessary expenditures.
- Redirect Present Expenditures
If your family’s cash flow has been increased by repaying a loan or completing a child’s college fund, that expenditure could be used for additional giving.
- Commit an Increase of Wages
If you receive periodic increases in salary or earnings, resist the temptation to enhance your lifestyle and assign the full amount to the CROSS OVER campaign.
- Give Excess Reserves
If your family has been accumulating extra reserves for a special project, such as a vacation property, recreational vehicle, special trip, or another family goal, the Holy Spirit may prompt you to offer those funds. By saying “later” to your own goal, you can say “now” to help Christian Tabernacle’s dream become a reality.
- Offer Unexpected Cash or Gifts
If you are praying for God to help you give an amount beyond what you can presently see or afford, the answer could be an unexpected blessing in the form of a year-end bonus or an inheritance.
- Donate Appreciated Property
By donating to Christian Tabernacle real property (vacant land, a vacation home, or other property) that has been owned more than one year, you could claim a tax deduction for the full fair market value. Rental or income property that has been owned for several years may have depreciated to a very low tax basis, allowing you to make a substantial capital gain if you were to sell. By donating it, you will both avoid the capital gains tax and receive a tax deduction for full fair market value.
- Present Your Personal Possessions
Some may wish to offer God their precious metals, jewels/jewelry, valuable collections of coins, stamps, baseball cards, art, or recreational vehicles. As mentioned above, not only would your gift be of value to the campaign, it would also provide you with a fair market value tax deduction.
Please note: Gifts of real and/or personal property should be discussed in advance with the church business office to determine if it can be accepted. In some instances,
it may be better to sell the property and bring the proceeds as your gift.
- Bring Investment Securities
Donation of appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment securities are a real “win-win.” Christian Tabernacle will obtain a valued cash offering and you will receive a deduction of the security’s fair market value at the date of gift, while avoiding potential capital gains from the sale.
- Contribute an IRA
If you are past the age of 59 and have accumulated a sizeable IRA that is not immediately needed, you may withdraw a portion of it without a penalty. The amount donated may help offset the taxable income portion of the withdrawal.
- Generate a Charitable Gift Annuity
Many retirees depend upon fixed income investments for income. Obtaining a reliable, safe income during seasons of fluctuating interest rates can be quite challenging. As an alternative, a Charitable Gift Annuity can offer generous guaranteed lifetime payments at a level above CDs and other secure investments. Not only does a CGA offer income tax deductions, but a portion of each payment is tax-free.
- Bestow a Charitable Remainder Trust
Another form of giving appreciated assets (real estate, securities) is a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). This special trust has significant tax advantages and allows you to receive lifetime income, even though you’ve made a significant gift to your church. Please note: Gifts from an IRA, CGA, or CRT should be discussed with a tax advisor or one who is trained in unique planned giving options. You may contact advisors at Christian Tabernacle to assist you.
- Profitable Use of Extra Time
Retired or semi-retired individuals whose children are grown and away from home may increase their gift by seeking a part-time job.
To assist you with a planned gift to the stewardship campaign, professional counsel is available from AG Financial at no charge, or you may contact the church financial office.