Ways to Support the Ministries OF
Messiah Lutheran Church-Wauconda
Many people think of giving to the church is about giving weekly or monthly through a regular tithe or donation in the offering box, basket, or autopay. But there are many other ways that giving can support Messiah Lutheran Church and its ministries while potentially providing tax-savings, deductions and income today, or through bequests and beneficiary designations when you are gone. Below are examples of ways that you can support Messiah Lutheran Church through ways beyond traditional monthly or weekly giving OR ways to use current or future investment vehicles to support your weekly or monthly giving!
Before proceeding with ANY of the following giving strategies, consult with a financial advisor to ensure this strategy aligns with your financial goals and to understand the specific tax implications based on your individual circumstances.
For more information on any of these options contact the church at 847.526.7161 or finance.office@messiah-wauconda.org
CLICK HERE to access information you or your advisor/attorney will need to set up any of the various options listed below.
Click on the images below to access videos regarding each of the topics listed.
Gift of Appreciated Stocks
A Tax-Savvy Way to Benefit from Growing Assets
Donating appreciated stocks, mutual funds, or other securities held for over a year is a tax-efficient way to support our work and the charitable causes you care about. By gifting these assets directly to a qualified charity, you can potentially increase your donation's impact while benefiting from significant tax advantages.
Why donate appreciated securities?
•Avoid Capital Gains Taxes: If you sell appreciated securities, you may owe capital gains taxes on the profit. However, by donating them directly, you can bypass these taxes, allowing the full value to go to the charity.
•Maximize Your Deduction: You can deduct the fair market value of the donated securities on your federal income tax return, subject to IRS limits. This deduction can be more substantial than donating the after-tax proceeds from a sale.
From Your IRA — Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Make a meaningful impact today while reducing your tax burden. If you're age 70½ or older, you have a unique opportunity to support Messiah directly from your IRA — and enjoy tax advantages at the same time.
A Special Opportunity for Donors Age 70½+
You can give up to $108,000 this year (2025) from your IRA directly to a qualified charity like Messiah, without having to pay income taxes on the gift. This type of contribution is called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), also known as an IRA Charitable Rollover.
The Power of a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a simple, flexible, and tax-efficient way to support the charitable organizations you care about most. Think of it as a charitable investment account designed exclusively for giving.
When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF, you’re generally eligible for an immediate tax deduction. Those funds can then be invested for tax-free growth, allowing you to recommend grants to any IRS-qualified public charity—whenever you're ready.
Why Choose a Donor-Advised Fund?
DAFs are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the U.S. for good reason:
- Simplicity: Consolidate your giving and manage all donations through one account.
- Flexibility: Give when and where you choose
- Tax Efficiency: Receive an immediate tax-deduction and potentially grow your donation tax-free.
Streamlined Giving and Record-keeping
With a DAF, there’s no need to track donation receipts from multiple charities. Just keep records of your DAF contributions. When you're ready to make a difference, simply log in to your institutions portal and recommend a donation to any eligible charity.
Beneficiary Designations: An Easy Way to Make a Lasting Impact
One of the simplest ways to create a lasting, meaningful impact on your community is through a beneficiary designation—a flexible and efficient complement to traditional estate planning tools like wills and trusts.
A beneficiary designation allows you to direct the custodian of a financial account to transfer all or a portion of the account’s assets to one or more charitable organizations upon your death. This method bypasses and works independently of a will or trust and avoids probate. This process is easy to set up and can be updated at any time.
Most people have at least one account type that can be designated for a legacy gift. Here are some of the most common:
•Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k), etc.)
•Bank Accounts, Investment Accounts & U.S. Savings Bonds
•Life Insurance Policies
Create a Legacy That Reflects Your Values
Planning for the future and creating the legacy you wish to leave behind is one of the most meaningful ways to ensure a lasting impact. A gift in your will or living trust, also known as a bequest, is a simple and powerful way to support the mission of Messiah Lutheran Church for generations to come.
Your bequest can take several forms:
- A specific dollar amount
- A percentage of your estate
- The remainder of your estate after all other provisions are fulfilled
No matter the size, your gift helps ensure that your values live on through the ministries and outreach of Messiah Lutheran Church.
Charitable Giving While Generating Income
Some charitable strategies allow you to support the causes you care about while also generating income or preserving wealth. Charitable trusts are a powerful tool for donors who want to align philanthropy with financial planning—offering tax benefits, flexibility, and the ability to provide for both charitable organizations and loved ones.
There are two primary types of charitable trusts:
- Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) – provide income to you or other beneficiaries first, with the remainder going to charity.
- Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) – provide income to a charity first, with the remainder going to your heirs or others.
Which one is right for you depends on your priorities around income, estate planning, and legacy giving.
For more information on various options, CLICK HERE.