Anyone who would like to give to St John's Church online is welcome to do so through our church website. The system makes it easy to quickly transfer money from a bank account or debit card to the church safely and securely. One-time gifts and recurring withdrawals can both be set up, and gifts can be given either to the church's general fund or a specific church project. Click the image below to donate online.
At St. Johns, we’ve dedicated time during the service for you to bring your offering for people who prefer to give by cash or check made out to St John's GMC
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (“QCD”) is a tax efficient way to make charitable contributions. A QCD is a direct transfer from your IRA to a charity (e.g., St. John’s). It is only available to IRA owners and IRA beneficiaries who are age 70 ½ or older. The amount contributed counts toward any Required Minimum Distribution (“RMD”) and will be excluded from your income, creating an “effective” tax deduction that is in addition to your standard deduction. Your IRA custodian is an excellent resource to explain and create a QCD.
Legacy Donation
If you have planned on recognizing St. John’s in your charitable legacy through your will or other planned gift, please let us know. We will make sure your wishes are carried out. If you would like more information about estate planning, please contact Paul Hasting at 941.925.2661 or treasurer@stjohns-sarasota.com.
GIFTING PUBLICLY TRADED APPRECIATED SECURITIES
Is donating stocks to the Church right for you?This option may be a viable choice if:
• You have stocks that have increased in value, and you have owned them for longer than a year.
• You want to maximize your deduction by deducting the full fair market value of the appreciated asset you donate and avoid capital gains tax liabilities.
• You want to make a gift that benefits the Church and works out in your financial favor.
(Click image to enlarge)
How is the value of your gift determined?
It is the policy of the Church to sell the asset immediately upon receipt.
The value of your gift is set on the day your stock transfer reaches our accounts if sent electronically or on the date tendered shares are received at the office. The value is the average of the high and low prices for the asset on the date it is received. If an electronic transfer contains the value of the asset transfer, that amount will be used rather than the average.
Differences between the determined gift value and the sale price, if any, are reported as non-operating income/loss by the Church.
Your annual giving statement will document the value of your gift.
How do I transfer stocks to the Church?
If your broker holds the shares, please contact the Finance Office at (941) 925-2661 for transfer instructions.
If you hold physical certificates, the Finance Office will help you to arrange transfer of the certificates.
Can I deduct the full amount of my gift?
Yes, within limits established by the IRS. You can deduct gifts of appreciated assets up to 30 percent of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). AGI is shown at the bottom of the first page of IRS Form 1040.
If your gift exceeds the 30 percent amount, you can carry forward excess deductions through the next five tax years following the year you made your gift.
Note: IRS guidelines allow you to deduct up to 60 percent of your AGI for cash gifts. Your tax advisor can always tell you which type of gift is best for your personal financial situation.
Important
This document is informational and illustrative only. It is not tax or legal advice. Individual circumstances vary. You should contact your tax advisor or legal counsel for recommendations specific to your personal situation.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive"
(Acts 20:35)
Giving is an important aspect of the Christian life. After all, Luke records that Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). At St. Johns, we want to encourage all members to pray about giving and give as God leads them. For those who prefer an online way to give, the church website now offers one. Feel free to set up an account and make an offering, or contact the church for help with giving through the site.
