Fall is here!
The “ber” months are here, and the end of the year is just around the corner. October, November and December are the home stretch – culminating in the glorious fellowship and festivities of Christmas time. Likewise, it is the home stretch for our charitable giving, and your Missouri UM Foundation can help you finish strong!
Why focus on end-of-year giving?
- 30% of the projected annual donations to charities are made during December
- 10% come during the year’s last 48 hours
- Thanksgiving through the Advent season is an ideal opportunity to highlight and affirm the connections between our generosity and our individual discipleship path
- This is also a season in which to celebrate the year’s successes – well done, good and faithful servants!
Make Your Plans Now!
Make your move and start that kick by making plans and scheduling year-end communications. Use all of your channels of communication – letter(s) from the pastor, worship announcements, mission moments, e-newsletters, social media – even committee meetings! – to share timely information about gifts, missional successes, important occasions, and ways generosity matters. Check out the informational brochures and resources and sample letter available for FREE from the Foundation.
The season is rich with opportunities, including:
- All Saint’s Day (highlight the generosity of those who have gone before us and encourage memorial gifts)
- Autumn and Thanksgiving – a time of harvest, of abundance – the waning of days, the cherishing of memories, and expressions of gratitude
- The four Sundays of Advent – anticipation of the Greatest Gift, and delight in the joy of giving
- Advent Conspiracy (give equally in gifts and gratitude)
- Alternative gift options (for missions)
- Christmas Eve offering – make it special
- Last 48 hours in 2025 – Consider e-blasts to encourage online giving before midnight on Dec. 31st. (That’s when tax-deductibility ends for 2025.)
Attention to details…
The giving menu is far larger than the offering plate. Timely information and reminders can add some additional wind at your back such as:
- IRA gifts of QCDs. People 70 ½ can make gifts directly from their IRA as part of their required minimum distribution. But they need to be reminded to get it done early – do not wait until the end of the year. (Info and free brochure at www.mumf.org.)
- Gifts of appreciated Stock. Stock and mutual fund shares that have increased in value are a cost-efficient way to give – and your Foundation makes it SO easy! (There’s a brochure for that, too!)
Some of this information is best shared with specific members of your congregation through targeted letters and emails. Again, check out the Year-end Giving brochure and other materials starting late September at www.mumf.org.
Finally, bask in the glow!
Don’t forget to tell the congregation all about the successes of December! Celebrate your leadership team and share the love.
Your Foundation friends are here to cheer, to coach and to be supportive in any way we can!