Opportunities for Year-End Giving
See below for year-end resources to help you spread the word
As the year closes, it presents an ideal opportunity to inform your parishioners about the ways they can contribute to the parish. This period often inspires increased generosity, fueled by the festive spirit of Christmas and the prospect of tax benefits. Highlighting the different giving options available can help parishioners understand how their support can make a meaningful impact.
Regular Giving: A vital way to convey to your parishioners how their regular giving forms the backbone of the parish, the consistent contributions are essential in sustaining day-to-day operations and ministries.
One-Time Gifts: Encourage your parishioners to consider making a special one-time donation to help tackle specific projects or unforeseen expenses.
IRA Charitable Rollover: For individuals aged 70½ or older, transferring up to $100,000 annually from an IRA directly to a qualified charity, such as our parish, is available. While you can start these transfers at 70½, they become particularly impactful at age 72, when required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs become mandatory. Utilizing the IRA Charitable Rollover can fulfill these RMD requirements and may offer tax advantages.
Bequests and Estate Planning: Encourage parishioners to consider including the parish in their will or trust. Bequests are a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy and ensure the long-term financial stability of the parish.
Stocks and Mutual Funds: Donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds can be more beneficial than giving cash. Donors may avoid capital gains tax and could potentially deduct the market value.
Matching Gifts: Many employers offer matching gift programs. Remind parishioners to check with their employers to maximize their contributions.
Below, you will find sample communications designed to assist you in spreading the word about end-of-year giving opportunities. These examples effectively convey the importance of supporting our parish during this crucial time.
As we approach the end of the year, let us remember the words of St. Paul: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). By sharing these giving opportunities with our parishioners, we are not only advancing our mission but also deepening the community's commitment to living out the Gospel.
Communication Samples
Bulletin Announcement
As 2023 draws to a close, we invite you to embrace the spirit of generosity this season brings. There are several ways you can make a meaningful contribution to our parish, each with its unique benefits:
Regular Giving: Your regular contributions are the backbone of our parish, sustaining our day-to-day operations and ministries.
One-Time Gifts: A special one-time donation can help us tackle specific projects or unforeseen expenses, enhancing our ability to serve the community.
IRA Charitable Rollover: For those aged 70½ and older, consider transferring up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to our parish. It can be especially beneficial at age 72 and beyond when required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs become mandatory. This method fulfills your RMD requirements and may also offer tax advantages.
Bequests and Estate Planning: We encourage you to consider including our parish in your will or trust. Bequests are a profound way to leave a lasting legacy and support the long-term financial health of our parish.
Stocks and Mutual Funds: Donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds can be more advantageous than cash donations. This option helps you avoid capital gains tax and potentially allows for the deduction of the entire market value.
Employer Matching Gifts: Check with your employer about matching gift programs. It can double the impact of your generosity.
Your support, in any form, is greatly appreciated and plays a vital role in the parish mission and outreach efforts. Let us come together in this season of giving and make a positive impact in our faith community.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity. May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you and your loved ones.
Social Media Post
🌟 End-of-Year Giving at [Your Parish Name] 🌟
As 2023 winds down, we are reminded of the power of generosity. Here at [Your Parish Name], there are several impactful ways you can contribute as we approach the end of the year:
Regular Giving: Your regular contributions are the backbone of our parish, sustaining our day-to-day operations and ministries.
One-Time Gifts: A special one-time donation can help us tackle specific projects or unforeseen expenses, enhancing our ability to serve the community.
IRA Charitable Rollover: If you are 70½ or older, consider an IRA rollover of up to $100,000 to our parish. It is especially relevant for those 72+, meeting IRA required minimum distribution requirements and possibly offering tax benefits.
Legacy through Bequests: Consider including our parish in your will or trust. Your bequest can create a lasting legacy which supports the parish's future.
Gifts of Stocks/Mutual Funds: Donating stocks or mutual funds can often be more advantageous than cash, helping you avoid capital gains tax while supporting our mission.
Employer Matching Gifts: Many employers match charitable donations. Check if your company offers this program to double the impact of your gift.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Let us end this year with a spirit of giving and help strengthen our parish community.
Thank you for the support, and may this season fill your hearts with joy!
Letter or Email
Dear (NAME),
Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As your pastor, I am inspired by the strength and faith of our parish community. As we approach the end of the year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity.
INSERT REAL STORY HERE
Today, I wish to share a story that embodies the spirit of our parish. John, a community member, came to us during a challenging time. Feeling lost and disconnected, he was searching for a spiritual home. Through the welcoming arms of our parish, John found much more than a place to worship; he found a family. His journey of faith was nurtured by our ministries, and he has grown in his relationship with God, finding peace and purpose. His story is a testament to how our parish serves as a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual nourishment.
This transformation in John's life, and the lives of many others, is made possible by your contributions. Your generosity enables us to be a sanctuary of faith and community. As we look forward to the coming year, I encourage you to consider continuing your support through year-end giving. Whether through regular tithing, one-time gifts, IRA charitable rollovers, bequests, or other forms of giving, know that your contribution makes a real difference.
Regular Giving: Your regular contributions are the backbone of our parish, sustaining our day-to-day operations and ministries.
One-Time Gifts: A special one-time donation can help us tackle specific projects or unforeseen expenses, enhancing our ability to serve the community.
IRA Charitable Rollover: For individuals aged 70½ or older, transferring up to $100,000 annually from an IRA directly to a qualified charity, such as our parish, is available. While you can start these transfers at 70½, they become particularly impactful at age 72, when required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs become mandatory. Utilizing the IRA Charitable Rollover can fulfill these RMD requirements and may offer tax advantages.
Bequests and Estate Planning: By including our parish in your will or estate plan, you can leave a legacy that supports the parish's spiritual and communal health for generations to come.
Employer Matching Gifts: An often overlooked but incredibly impactful way of giving is through employer-matching gift programs. Many companies match the charitable contributions made by their employees, effectively doubling your donation to our parish. I encourage you to inquire with your employer about this opportunity, a simple yet powerful way to amplify your support, making every dollar you give go even further in our mission and service.
We are immensely grateful for those who have given in the past and those who continue their support. Your support sustains our mission and allows us to be a place of worship, community, and hope for all who seek it, just like it did for John.
As we celebrate this season of giving, let us remember the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Your giving is not just a financial contribution; it is an act of faith and love that echoes in the lives of every member of our parish.
Thank you for being a part of our parish family. May the Lord bless and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, now and always.
In Christ’s love,
[Your Pastor's Name]
[Your Parish Name]
