"When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another will profit from the grantor’s gift.” - Maya Angelou

We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to our care, including our accumulated assets. C ongregations of the United Church of Christ have a present opportunity to serve the financial and estate planning needs of their members and families, assisting them in realizing their role as faithful stewards. C ongregations need to build upon the gifts received from previous generations in order to provide for the future ministry and mission of our church. I t is out of gratitude for the past that we build now with hope for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is a Special Gifts Fund needed?

A: The Special Gifts Fund provides for exceptional needs and long-term well being of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ not possible within the regular budget. It is governed by St. Paul’s constitution, by-laws and a management plan. The Investment Team seeks, invests, and manages gifts to be used for special needs and projects. These funds provide financial stability through economic hard times as well as more prosperous years.

Q: Can I designate my gift for a specified purpose?

A: Your gift can be designated for capital improvement, education, community service and outreach, wider mission of the UCC, spiritual life or other goals designated by donors to meet church priorities. Gifts can be directed to an endowment or legacy fund. An endowment is structured to protect the financial principal. Income from the principal can be designated for a specific purpose or undesignated. Legacy gifts can be spent in their entirety. Memorials, honoring a living person or memorializing a deceased person, place or event can be either legacy or endowed gifts. The Investment Team can discuss your interests with you.

Q: What types of gifts can be accepted for the Special Gifts Fund?

A: The Special Gifts Fund can accept cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and personal property of value. It also can be designated a beneficiary in life insurance policies, investments, and wills.

Q: How can I give when I have little left after I buy necessities and pay my taxes?

A: If you have savings or investments you depend on for income and/or you own your home, you can donate any of these now, continue to live in your home, continue to receive investment income and a tax deduction now. Ask about a gift annuity, a deferred gift annuity, a pooled income fund, and other options.

Q: Should I sell assets and give the cash or transfer ownership to the fund?

A: If an asset has increased in value since you bought it, you may have to pay capital gains taxes if you sell it, but if you transfer ownership to St. Paul’s, you may create a tax deduction for yourself equivalent to today’s value of the asset. St. Paul’s can benefit fully from the sale of the asset because it is tax exempt.

The Investment Team member working with you will ask you what level of anonymity you desire and will honor and respect your wish.

Before making a sizable gift, please consult your tax advisor or lawyer.