2015 Year-End Giving by David O. Cofield

2015 will prove to be a monumental year in the life of Rainsville First.  It has been a great year of baptisms, growth, missions and financial records.  Yet, there is still much to be done as we continue to press on.  There is no better way to set a strong foundation for 2016 than ending on a strong financial note in 2015.  I invite you to help us end the year strong and prepare ourselves for an exciting 2016 by prayerfully considering an end-of-the-year gift to Rainsville First. 

Some help as you prepare year-end-giving:

*  The gift must be RECEIVED on or before December 31.  The IRS makes no exceptions. It does not matter what the date is on the check or when it was postmarked.  Any gifts made through online giving (https://pushpay.com/pay/rainsvillefirstbaptist) by midnight Dec. 31 is counted toward 2015 gifts.

*  Most giving to the church is tax deductible, but not all.  Donations when you specify an individual are non-deductible. 

*  Use a giving envelope.

*  Just a few suggestions.  All giving to the general fund and debt retirement of the church is tax deductible.  Also included would be giving to the Benevolence Fund (not to individuals but to the fund), Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, other mission offerings or most designated accounts of our church.

*  Gifts to the pastor or staff may be given directly to any one of them.  If it is passed through the church it will be taxable income for the minister or staff member.  These gifts are non-deductible because they are allocated to an individual.

*  You may give land or property.  The church cannot assign a value to such gifts, you must provide the value. 

*  Stocks or bonds (which can be very beneficial for the donor in saving on taxes, as well as the church). 

*  Deferred giving:  Include your church in your estate or designate the church as an heir or insurance beneficiary.  Even Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Gift Annuities and Life Estate Reserved accounts can be set up.  Visit The Baptist Foundation of Alabama (of the Alabama Baptist Convention) www.tbfa.org

"Giving with glad and generous hearts has a way of routing out the tough old miser within us.  Even the poor need to know that they can give.  Just the very act of letting go of money, or some other treasure, does something within us.  It destroys the demon greed."  Richard Foster, Money, Sex and Power