FUNDING MINISTRY—
CREATIVE GIVING BEYOND TITHES AND OFFERINGS
For more than 70 years, lives have been transformed by the Lord Jesus Christ through Stonecroft Ministries. What began with one woman's commitment to prayer now has grown into an international outreach.
Many recognize that this work of God must continue for current and future generations of Stonecroft missionaries to reach the world. As we press into the heart of this century, we endeavor to reveal the love of God to each generation. The story goes on, as Stonecroft's founders intended.
Will you be a part of that story?
The Stonecroft Ministries Foundation is designed to further the efforts of Stonecroft Ministries through the acceptance of endowment gifts and gifts of appreciated property. We invite you to join in creating a legacy to ensure the next generation will hear the truth of God's Word.
When some people think about making a gift to their church or favorite ministry, the subject of tithing comes to mind, or they think about giving an offering at the monthly Women’s Connection meeting. While these are very traditional methods of giving, there are other ways to make a contribution that goes beyond writing a check or putting some dollars in the Project Offering.
Consider what Paul says in this verse—
“But just as you excel in everything—in faith, knowledge, complete earnest, and in your love for us—see that you also excel in the grace of giving.” --2 Corinthians 8:7
The tax laws of our country offer opportunities for creative giving the Apostle Paul could not have imagined when he wrote this verse. Some of these opportunities include:
GIFTS OF STOCK AND MUTUAL FUNDS
One of the simplest ways of taking advantage of charitable giving is to donate an investment that is worth more today than what you invested in it. You can take advantage of the increased value and actually give more than you originally paid for the investment. A closely related idea is to sell an underperforming investment and give the proceeds as a contribution. By doing this, you can claim a tax benefit from the loss and an immediate charitable tax deduction on the amount you give.
GIFT OF LIFE INSURANCE
Do you have a life insurance policy you no longer need? If you give all or part of a paid up life insurance policy to Stonecroft Ministries, you can enjoy a charitable income-tax deduction based on the current value. Life insurance can also fund other charitable income arrangements such as a Charitable Gift Annuity. You can designate all or part of a life insurance policy you are currently paying premiums on, and the payments are deductible.
BUSINESS INTEREST
Before you sell or transfer an interest you have in a business, please consult with a ministry-minded CPA or tax attorney regarding the opportunities of donating the business interest rather than selling it. Tax laws provide for some very generous giving opportunities where a business interest is involved.
GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE
Before you sell any type of real estate, explore the significant tax benefits of gifting real estate to Stonecroft Ministries. Once again, a ministry-minded CPA or tax attorney will help you make the most of this transaction.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY
You can create a charitable gift annuity with Stonecroft Ministries while supplementing your income with a partially tax-free, guaranteed fixed income for you and/or your spouse, and receive current and future savings on income taxes. For more information follow this like to Charitable Gift Annuities.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST
There are also some opportunities that will reduce gift and estate taxes on the assets you pass to children/grandchildren. A charitable lead trust pays Stonecroft a fixed income for a specific term of years. You, or your family, receive the property back, often with reduced gift and other taxes. Enjoy a charitable income tax deduction for the amount received by the ministry each year.
DONATE A CAR OR OTHER VEHICLE
There are advantages to donating a car, boat, farm equipment, or even an airplane to ministry. Donate any vehicle to Stonecroft Ministries, and receive a charitable tax deduction.
ART, JEWELRY, STAMPS, AND COINS COLLECTIBLES
Just about anything that can claim value, or that has appreciated in value, can be sold by Stonecroft Ministries and converted to cash, and this translates as a generous tax-deductible gift from you. Ideas for contributing non-cash assets include jewelry, artwork, stamps and coins, and other collectibles.
Gifts of donated vehicles and art, jewelry and collectibles are typically liquidated with the assistance of the Servant Christian Community Foundation in Kansas City. Non-cash gifts can be designated by the donor as a direct contribution for the work of Stonecroft Ministries, or as an endowment.
Resources and Ministry Partnerships for Managing Your Gift - To help you explore and manage any of these beneficial giving opportunities, and many others, the Servant Christian Community Foundation and the National Christian Foundation provide Stonecroft with technical and administrative support. To learn more about these ministries, visit the Servant Christian Community Foundation at www.servantchristian.org, and the National Christian Foundation at www.nationalchristian.com.
Stonecroft Ministries advises you to always consult your trusted advisor before you make any gift considerations that have a financial impact. In most cases, illustrations of the benefits of these giving options are available to you to discuss with your advisor.
ENDOWMENT GIFTS
Endowment gifts to the Stonecroft Ministries Foundation perpetuate the long-term efforts of Stonecroft Ministries.
As endowment funds are invested within the Stonecroft Ministries Foundation, the interest and dividends earned are used for the ongoing efforts of Stonecroft Ministries. The principal portion of the gift continues to generate resources for ministry use.
Endowment gifts are made through wills, family foundations, donor-advised funds, and individual donations.
For more information, contact:
Joan Johnson, Donor Services Administrator
1.800.525.8627 ext. 117
E-mail: jjohnson@stonecroft.org
The biblical model of Christian financial stewardship is God’s plan for properly managing resources entrusted to your care, providing for family, blessing loved ones, and advancing His kingdom, in part by funding the work of Stonecroft Ministries.
