Capital stewardship projects rely on all of us making gifts “over and above” our current level of giving. The best path to increasing giving is a spiritual path where we set our hearts on things above. Financial priorities then take shape from spiritual priorities. There are a number of ways that we can make an over and above gift.
Some families may choose to rearrange their priorities and give up something in their current budget in order to give more to a capital project. Priority budgeting may mean postponing planned expenditures such as new cars, vacations, home remodeling projects, or other major purchases.
It is possible that certain budget expenditures will be freed up sometime during the one-year project. A loan may be paid off, or a child may graduate from college. Those available funds are often helpful when making an over and above gift.
Some people receive periodic increases in salary or bonuses from their employers. In many instances, families have decided that they will commit to give the full amount of their increased income.
Perhaps you have been saving money for a major purchase, such as a second home, that upon further reflection could wait awhile. Or maybe it’s time to sell that boat or RV. Consider giving toward the capital project from these excess funds.
Often, people pray for God to show them a way they can give beyond what they can presently see or afford. Sometimes the answers come unexpectedly, such as larger-than-foreseen tax refunds.
Some family members may have extra time they would be willing to use in a part-time job to increase their giving. This may be true for families with grown children who are away from home and for semi-retired or retired couples.
Many people own stocks that are worth significantly more than the original purchase price. Gifting these kinds of appreciated assets can provide benefit to the church while offering significant tax advantages to the donor.
By transferring ownership of the asset to the church, the donor may avoid capital gains taxes on the sale of the asset while receiving an income tax charitable deduction for its full market value.