Types of Giving
There are multiple ways for you to give at First Hattiesburg. Each method allows for God s work to be done as you are faithful to his calling to give back.
Cash
Cash is the easiest method of giving, and the option that provides the most immediate benefit. Cash may be given as a one-time gift online via electronic check or credit card, or you can establish automatic electronic payments through your bank account or credit card. Cash contributions must be received or postmarked by December 31 to be included on your giving statement for that year.
There are also several alternative forms of giving, as described below. If you are interested in any of these options or would like more information, please contact Jason Golden, Executive Pastor, at jason@firsthattiesburg.com.
Appreciated Marketable Securities
Appreciated Marketable Securities are a great way to maximize your giving, because you receive an immediate income tax deduction for the full fair market value of your securities. In addition, you pay no capital gains tax on the difference between your cost and the fair market value.
Other Non-Cash Gifts
Did you know that 91% of the world’s wealth is held in assets, not cash? That means that most of your giving capacity is tied up in your “stuff,” not your checkbook. Whether it’s a car or a boat, a timeshare or jewelry – our partners will turn it into cash and give it back to First Hattiesburg as cash. Donors will be sent an acknowledgment letter, including a description of the donated items and date it was received.
Life Insurance
A current life insurance policy can be transferred to First Hattiesburg, for which you receive an immediate income tax deduction for the cash surrender value. First Hattiesburg will elect one of two options: cash in the policy for immediate ministry needs, or keep it and utilize the death benefit later.
Planned Gifts
If you have planned in advance to give a gift as part of your overall personal financial strategy, either now or in the future, we recommend that you discuss your strategy with your tax and/or financial advisor.
There are several types of gifts that may fall under this category, many of which are very simple to make and do not require any formal communication to us.
These include:
- Life Insurance. You can simply name a First Hattiesburg as a beneficiary.
- Retirement Assets. You can name First Hattiesburg as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or other qualified retirement plan. Any amounts left in your plan will transfer to First Hattiesburg free of income and estate tax.
- Bequests. You can name First Hattiesburg in your will as a beneficiary, and your estate will receive an income tax deduction for the value of the bequest. A bequest written in a will can be made for either a percentage or an amount.
Other types of planned giving include gifts that may be more long-term in nature. For example:
- Charitable Gift Annuity. Cash or marketable securities are transferred to a charitable organization in exchange for a current income tax deduction and the organization’s promise to make fixed annual payments to you for life.
- Charitable Lead Trust: Cash or marketable securities are transferred to a trust, which makes fixed payments to the charitable organization over a specified period of time, then transfers the remaining assets to your heirs.
One Gift – Twice The Impact
Did you know some employers will match contributions to your church and thereby double your giving impact? Charitable Gift Matching is a popular way for many companies to increase the value of their employees’ gifts to charity. Corporations like Morgan Stanley-Smith Barney and Bank of America are already participating, and your employer might be able to also if you ask. Questions? Email jason@firsthattiesburg.com.
Questions
If you are interested in any of these types of giving, please contact us at jason@firsthattiesburg.com.
