Consider Year End Gifts for Ministry

I received my first year-end giving appeal in late October. It was soon met with other grip-your-heart letters telling me what a difference I can make during the holiday season while also being tax-wise if I made my gift by December 31. The stack of such letters is growing.

We have discussed appeals more than ever this year. All are worthy of a gift. But our family joins the majority of donors when we think about where our gifts count most. Do we give small amounts to all or larger amounts to a chosen few? Do we stick to a budget or sacrifice to be able to give a little more?

Christian causes with positive results received strong support last year while most US charitable giving dropped. Thinking critically about charitable gifts is at an all-time high. Donors seek charities with capable leaders. They look closely for financial strength and evidence of outcomes. Donors expect highly ethical practices, demand trust and seek charities that are driven to serve.

Planned gifts at year end can assist donors to achieve goals, receive financial benefit and/or save taxes this year or beyond. Charitable gift annuities provide immediate or deferred fixed income and a charitable deduction for the year of the gift. Donations of appreciated assets avoid capital gain taxes. Paid-up life insurance policies, not critical to family protection, or other planned gifts may be wise gift choices.

Take time to review plans, consider year end gifts and make a real difference for Christ!

Dr. James R. Smith is the President & Treasurer of MBF
Article originally written for Word & Way