A friend here at church once told me about a decision he made that changed the way he thought about giving. Instead of writing a check to the church, he donated some stock that had grown in value over the years. He not only avoided a hefty tax bill but also amplified his impact because more of his gift went straight to supporting Bridgeway’s vision to reach our community, culture, and world for Jesus Christ.

Fueling a Legacy – How Donating Appreciated Assets to Bridgeway Community Church Can Amplify Your Impact and Minimize Taxes

Imagine if you could support Bridgeway Community Church’s mission while also making a tax-savvy decision that leaves more funds available for the work you’re passionate about. This concept might sound like an investment strategy pulled straight from Wall Street, but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s how donating appreciated assets, like stocks, ETFs (electronic funds transfers), or bonds, can further Bridgeway’s mission to build bridges to our community in profound ways.

The Unique Power of Donating Appreciated Assets

Many people invest in stocks, bonds, and ETFs for their growth potential, but few realize that these appreciated assets can become powerful tools for giving. By donating these assets directly to Bridgeway Community Church, you can avoid triggering capital gains taxes, which often accompany the sale of investments.

If you’ve held your stocks, ETFs, or bonds for more than a year, you could donate them at their current market value, eliminating the need to pay taxes on any appreciation. The result is a larger contribution, both for your portfolio and for Bridgeway’s mission. Every dollar saved in taxes means more of your resources can support expanding Bridgeway’s work in our community and beyond, from enhancing outreach programs to funding critical initiatives like Gracism Global.

How Appreciated Assets Maximize Your Generosity

Let’s break it down. Imagine you bought $5,000 worth of a stock or ETF a few years ago, and today it’s worth $15,000. If you were to sell the entire appreciated ETF for $15,000, you’d likely pay capital gains taxes on the $10,000 increase. By donating the asset directly to Bridgeway, you bypass those taxes and can take a charitable deduction for the full $15,000. It’s a financial win-win that’s easier than you might think.

And it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about multiplying impact. Every tax dollar saved is another dollar we can direct toward making a difference.

Why Consider This Option Now?

With year-end approaching, now is the perfect time to think about meaningful gifts that carry lasting impact. By leveraging appreciated assets, you’re not only meeting your personal giving goals but amplifying what Bridgeway can achieve in our community. This isn’t simply about fulfilling a yearly giving target. It’s about using your investments to make a difference in countless lives.

How to Get Started

  1. Verify Eligibility – Most appreciated stocks, ETFs, and bonds are eligible for donation, provided you’ve held them for over a year. Our finance office can help confirm eligibility.
  2. Consult Your Financial Advisor – While we’re here to make the process as seamless as possible, it’s a good idea to discuss your decision with a financial advisor to ensure it aligns with your portfolio goals.
  3. Coordinate the Transfer – Our team can guide you through transferring shares to Bridgeway. Once complete, you’ll receive a receipt with the donation’s value, which you can use for your year-end tax filing.

Leaving a Legacy that Goes Beyond

At Bridgeway, we believe every act of generosity has a ripple effect. When you give to Bridgeway, you’re planting seeds that bear fruit not only in our church but throughout our community. By donating appreciated assets, you’re helping us steward our mission with financial wisdom, setting an example for others to think creatively about their giving.

This opportunity isn’t just about financial wisdom; it’s about leaving a legacy that transcends numbers. For those who want to transform both personal and spiritual investments, this may be a powerful way forward.

We’re here to answer any questions you may have and to help you make the most of your donation. Email me at Tim.Samuel@bridgeway.cc to get the information you need to make the transfer. Together, let’s make a lasting impact.

If you need help or support, please contact Care.
If you are looking for activities to meet others, check out our Events.
If you are looking for people to do life with, connect with our Groups.

Circular 230 Disclosure: Any tax advice included in this communication (including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties under federal, state, or local tax law or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances.