The benefits of donating non-cash assets

At the Christian Community Foundation, we are here to help you start on the path toward generous giving by developing a plan that is right for you and your family. Donor-advised funds are a great way to give strategically, and they can be funded in a number of ways. While liquid-cash assets are a common source of funding, many donors also choose to donate appreciated non-cash assets.

Essentially, non-cash assets represent the value you’ve earned on an investment between the time of purchase and today’s market value. Donors can invest appreciated stock value, appreciated property value, appreciated intellectual property value, and a number of other non-cash assets associated with the appreciated value of many investments.

Why might a donor choose to invest appreciated non-cash assets? First, donating appreciated value from within your investment portfolio does not affect your cash flow. This allows families to donate to charitable organizations they love without impacting their daily operating budget. Second, there are tax benefits many donors experience when they choose to donate appreciated non-cash assets. The Christian Community Foundation always recommends you consult with a trusted financial advisor before making a donation decision with tax implications.

At the Christian Community Foundation, we accept assets of cash, stocks, bonds, real estate or other tangible property. Gifts of non-cash assets are valued and invested in your donor-advised fund, so you can then donate to an organization you love.

There are many options when starting your philanthropic journey, and CCF is here to help you answer God’s call to give. If you have any questions about assets or how you can get started, please contact us at (901) 682-6201.

15 Jan 20

How can you help others give?

When you do good for others, it makes you feel good! When we feel good about something, we like to share it with those around us. Leading others to do good will not only make us feel good but will help others feel good too. How can you help others start on their path to giving?

Spread God’s word.
God’s word commands us to give back to our communities and to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Through monetary donations or by giving our time, we are answering God’s calling.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” -Luke 6:38

Placing Christ at the center of your giving will not only help you remember the reason why you give back, but it will remind others of their calling to give. At the Christian Community Foundation, we believe in Biblical Stewardship, and honor families and individuals who choose to invest the gifts they’ve been entrusted through CCF.

Discuss the benefits of a donor-advised fund.
Sharing the benefits of donor-advised funds can change the way your friends and family think about giving. Donor-advised funds make giving easy, budget friendly, flexible and effective. They allow you the autonomy to support a nonprofit with regular monthly donations, meet an immediate need of an organization or grow your funds while you wait for an opportunity to give. You can also donate assets including cash, stocks, bonds or even real estate. The flexibility at CCF allows everyone to make an impact hassle free. Share the personal advantages you’ve had by using a donor-advised fund and help those around you do good.

Show others how giving has impacted you.
Kindness is contagious. People often model the attitudes and actions of those around them. When you share the impact you’re making on the community, the more likely those around you are to do the same. Talk about your favorite nonprofit and how it gave you a better sense of self and community. Spread kindness, and soon others will do the same!

Share Christian Community Foundation’s posts on social media.
You can find Christian Community Foundation’s pages on Facebook and Twitter. Stay up to date with CCF and share our latest updates!

There are many ways to help others give! CCF is here to help everyone start their personal journey to giving. If you need more resources or have questions about CCF, contact us at (901) 682-6201.

How to cultivate a giving spirit when donations are auto-drafted

In this digitally run world where donations are often auto-drafted, it can be hard to remember why you started donating in the first place. With almost 54% of donors giving online, forming real-life relationships with the organizations you support can be more difficult. At times, it can feel as if the giving spirit is lost in the transaction. With a few small reminders, and by trying some new things, you can cultivate a giving spirit, even if your actual donation requires little action on your part.

Volunteer with organizations you support financially
Most nonprofits need volunteers year-round. Volunteering can help you see and feel what your donation does. Getting some up-close-and-personal experience with your chosen organization could highlight the reason why you give and why your continued support is important. This experience can also be extremely meaningful to people in need. Physically serving people you support financially can create a personal bond that cannot be put into words or felt online – it’s a wholesome experience that is sure to rekindle your giving spirit.

Discuss results and impact with the organization’s director of donor relations
Directors of donor relations are equipped to support you in your giving journey. When contacting the organization’s point person, ask how your donations are affecting the cause. Was something done as a direct result of your donation? Were all of the needed materials provided for that health event? All of these questions can be answered when you contact the director. You can learn how your donation helped change someone’s life. When you see a plan come through and impact lives, the spirit of giving can be fulfilled, even if you don’t get to see the behind-the-scenes footage.

Meet up with other donors
Meeting up with those who are giving to the same cause is sure to bring excitement about the common good. When you bond with others who share your passion for helping a community, it creates a sense of commonality and affirms that others see the nonprofit’s work as valuable, too. These gatherings could also bring about other ways you could help the cause that you care for – like volunteering, hosting an event, visiting those in need and more.

There are multiple ways to revitalize the giving spirit for auto-drafted donors! If you just can’t grasp that feeling, contact us and we’d love to help you find meaningful ways to connect with your giving.