For your consideration and prayer, listed  are some suggested ways that over and above giving might be approached.

Over and Above Gifts – An over and above gift is what you decide to give specifically for the building purposes of the Stewardship Campaign.  This giving should be over and above the Lord’s tithe and other commitments you have already made to missions, scholarships, etc., or other aspects of the Lord’s work.  We believe that the best path to increased giving is the spiritual path, where you set your heart on things above.

Give your Extra Time – Some family members have extra time they would be willing to use for a part-time job in order to increase their gift.  This is particularly true for families whose children are grown and away from home, or for (semi-) retired couples. 

Practice Priority Budgeting – Many families will choose to rearrange their priorities and give up something discretionary in their current budget in order to give more for the three-year period of the campaign.

Redirect Present Expenditures – Sometimes families have significant short-term expenditures for certain needs. One example is the costs a family incurs for a child to attend college; another would be the cash flow that is freed up when a loan or other debt is paid.

Increased Giving with Income Increases – Some people receive periodic increases in their salary or earnings.  The temptation for many of us is to increase our lifestyle to fit the higher income.  In many instances, families can decide to commit the full amount of an income increase for a planned time of giving, such as this Stewardship Campaign.

Giving from Your Excess – Often families save money over a period of time for a special project, and then feel the Holy Spirit’s prompting to gift those funds.  It might be extra reserves for a vacation property, recreational vehicle, a special trip, or another family goal.  By saying “later” to personal goals, we can say “Now” to help Shiloh’s vision become a reality. 

Commit Unexpected Cash/Gifts – Often people pray for God to show them a way they can give beyond what they presently see or think they can afford.  When the prayer answer comes, the blessing can be added to the commitment from regular income. This might result from a year-end bonus or an inheritance, for instance.

Appreciated Property –Real property (vacant land or a vacation property) can be donated.  If you have owned such property for more than one year, by donating it to the church you would receive a tax deduction for the full fair market value of the property.  If you have rental or income property that you have owned for some time, you may have depreciated it to a very low tax basis, meaning 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. 

Personal Property – Some of us may be willing to gift our personal possessions, like precious metals, jewels/jewelry, valuable collections (e.g., coins, stamps, sports cards), art, or recreational vehicles.  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 they can be accepted. In some cases, it is better for the donor to sell the property and then gift the proceeds.

Investment Securities – It may be that you decide to gift appreciated stock, bonds, mutual funds or other investment securities.  This will also provide a “win-win,” as the church obtains a valued liquid offering, and you will receive a deduction for the fair market value of the security at the date of the gift, as well as avoid any potential capital gains from the sale of that security. 

Contribution from your IRA – Many people have amassed a sizable IRA that may not be necessary for immediate use.  If you are over 70 ½, you may annually withdraw a required minimum distribution without paying any penalty, and the amount given may help to offset the taxable income portion of that withdrawal.

Increased Giving with Increased Fixed Income – Many retirees depend upon fixed income investments for their income. In periods of fluctuating interest rates, obtaining a reliable, safe income can be challenging. An alternative would be the use of a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). This CGA can offer generous guaranteed lifetime payments at a level above Certificates of Deposit and other secure investments  Additionally,  a portion of each payment is tax-free, and CGA’s offer income tax deductions as well.

Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) – Another way for some to gift the church with appreciated assets (real estate, securities) is through a CRT.  This special type of trust allows you to receive lifetime income, even though you’ve made a significant gift to your church.  There also are significant tax advantages to this type of trust. 

Please Note: Gifts from your IRA, or gifts utilizing CGA’s or CRT’s, need to be reviewed with tax advisors, as well as those trained in such unique planned giving options.  IRA withdrawal rules changed in 2008. The church has advisors ready to assist you when you contact us.

PREPARING FOR YOUR COMMITMENT