As we look toward the year ahead, many in our church family have asked about different ways they can support the ministries that make a real difference in our community. Beyond traditional weekly giving, there are a couple of meaningful options that may be a good fit depending on your financial situation.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
If you take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year from your IRA, you may be able to give in a way that benefits both you and the church. A Qualified Charitable Distribution allows you to donate all or part of your RMD directly to a charitable organization like ours. This donation still counts toward your annual RMD, but the amount you give is excluded from your taxable income. Many people find this to be a simple, tax-efficient way to support the ministries they care about.*

Donating Appreciated Stock
Another option is donating appreciated stock directly from a taxable brokerage account. When you gift stock “as is,” you avoid triggering capital gains taxes that would occur if you sold the shares yourself. You receive a charitable deduction for the value of the stock, and the church can then sell those shares and put the full value toward ministry work. It’s often a win-win for the giver and the church.*

If you think either of these giving methods might be helpful for you, we encourage you to reach out to your financial advisor or tax professional to see what works best in your situation. If you’d like information from the church to start the process, feel free to contact our office and we’ll be glad to assist.

Your generosity helps sustain the ministries that serve our congregation, our community, and beyond. Thank you for supporting the work God is doing through First Gilbert.

*Please consult with a licensed tax professional for advice specific to your financial situation.