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.
WHAT ARE GIFTS-IN-KIND?
WHAT KIND OF ASSETS SHOULD I GIVE?
WHY GIVE GIFTS-IN-KIND?
HOW DOES THE TAX BENEFIT WORK?
WHAT IF I SELL FIRST, THEN GIVE THE CASH?
| 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?
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.
| 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 |