Creative Giving
Prayer not pressure.

The very nature of Imagine 3:20 does not allow for anyone to be pressured into giving. You will never be told what you should give. Your financial involvement is a decision between you and the Lord. Giving is a part of worship, but giving must come from your heart, not from a checkbook just to satisfy a program. Giving from the heart is what pleases God. Continue praying:

“Lord, what do you want to do through me as it relates to your will for Fairhaven church?”

We offer the following thoughts as you may be considering a gift to Imagine3:20.

Gifts-In-Kind

WHAT ARE GIFTS-IN-KIND?

  • Transferring ownership of an asset, rather than selling the asset and giving the cash, is a gift-in-kind.

WHAT KIND OF ASSETS SHOULD I GIVE?

  • Appreciated investment property held more than one year, such as stock, mutual fund shares, bonds, real estate, collectibles, and other such property have tremendous tax advantages.
  • Personal property such as automobiles, jewelry, and other items may also be given. There may be no capital gains tax benefits, but the financial and spiritual benefits can be tremendous.

WHY GIVE GIFTS-IN-KIND?

  • The tax code is very generous toward this form of giving.
  • Giving the asset to the church, then letting the church sell, eliminates potential capital gains taxes and can increase the after tax proceeds.

HOW DOES THE TAX BENEFIT WORK?

  • Itemized Deduction: The individual or business is allowed to include 100% of the market value of most such assets as charitable contributions for tax purposes if held more than one year.
  • Capital Gains: The transfer of property does not generate a capital gains tax.
  • The church, as a tax exempt entity, will realize the full market value, less transaction costs, at the time of sale without paying capital gains taxes.

WHAT IF I SELL FIRST, THEN GIVE THE CASH?

  • You may be subject to capital gains taxes thereby reducing the after tax proceeds from the sale.
      Sell First Gifts-In-Kind
    Market Value 20,000 20,000
    Cost Basis -10,000 -10,000
    Gain 10,000 10,000
    Tax (assuming 20%) 2,000 0
    After Tax Proceeds 18,000 20,000

HOW DO I GIVE GIFTS-IN-KIND?

  • For stocks, mutual fund shares, and bonds:
    TRANSFER INSTRUCTIONS
    (if held in “Street Name”)

    1. Contact your broker and request the transfer.
    2. Provide the following to your broker:
    • Firm: UBS
    • Contact: Melissa Smith
    • DTC #: 0221
    • Acct #: D20228967
    • Acct Name: Fairhaven Church
    3. You will be provided with stock powers or transfer papers to complete the transfer.
    (Contact Paul Clark at the church office, 937-434-8627 ext. 101 with any questions).
  • For shares in your possession, you will need to endorse the certificates and have the signature “guaranteed” by a financial institution in the “Medallion Stamp Program.”

Other Strategies

CASH FLOW GIFTS: A person can give significantly by giving smaller amounts at higher frequencies. Weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly giving allows large gifts to be reached in smaller steps.

DIVERTED FUNDS GIFTS: Freeing up funds that are currently going to other areas of spending allows a person to increase giving to God’s work. Diverting funds from entertainment, dining out, dues, subscriptions, gifts, allowances, utilities, or transportation, offers lifestyle adjustments which impact one’s giving.

DELAYED EXPENDITURES: The delaying of purchases allows a person to significantly increase giving. The acquisition of major items such as automobiles, clothing, or trips, when postponed, allows substantial giving opportunities.

INCOME PRODUCING ASSETS: Interest income, payments from rental properties or monies from other income producing assets provide a source for increased giving.

SALE OF ASSETS: Sale of major assets, such as a house, car, land, or business provide available income for giving.

RAISES / BONUSES: Dedicating one’s forthcoming raises and bonuses is a creative method people have used to increase giving.

FREEDOM FROM DEBT: As a person looks ahead into the next three years, he or she may discover that debt obligations will be fulfilled. This frees up revenue for additional giving.

UNIQUE SKILLS INCOME: Some people have marketable hobbies or skills, which enable them to give from those new profits.

CHARITABLE GIVING RESOURCES: Reviewing all of one’s charitable donations in light of their impact on the kingdom of God affords a resource for significant giving.

SAVINGS AND ANNUITIES: Savings for special projects, retirement or a “rainy day” may offer a resource for increased giving. Often we realize that a portion of our savings may safely be given to the work of God’s kingdom through our church.

CORPORATE GIFTS: Those who have used their business as a source for giving have made significant donations.

ADDITIONAL WORK INCOME: Taking a second job or part-time job or coming out of retirement are successful strategies people have used to increase giving.

 

A Look at One Family’s Commitment to Increased Giving

Activity Week Year 3 Years
Eliminate family meal out $30 $1,560 $4,680
Eliminate 1 video rental/week $3 $156 $468
Reduce Christmas budget   $250 $750
Reduce Vacation budget   $250 $750
Eliminate 4 “dates”   $240 $720
Eliminate 1 cup of coffee/day $3.50 $182 $546
Erik’s commitment $1 $52 $156
Andrew’s commitment $.50 $26 $78
Two $10 bills found by Andrew     $20.00
THREE YEAR TOTAL:     $8,168