Would you like to finish this year with a gift to your church, the Grand Canyon Synod, and/or favorite ELCA ministry that maximizes your impact and reduces your taxes? Consider the four smart options below.

MAKE AN IMMEDIATE DIFFERENCE

When you support the ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod by simply writing a check, you empower ELCA leaders and congregations right here in Arizona, Nevada, and southwest Utah, and may receive a federal income tax charitable deduction. If you itemize, you can write off the amount you’re donating, resulting in lower taxable income. Unsure of whether your gift is tax-deductible? Contact your financial advisor or tax consultant.

Did you know? Your envelope must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year.

USE APPRECIATED SECURITIES

By donating appreciated securities that you have owned for longer than one year, you receive the same income tax savings as you would by making a gift of cash. You also eliminate any tax on the appreciation.

Did you know? If the securities are electronically transferred to us, the gift date is the day the securities enter our account — not the date you ask your broker to make the transfer.

CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR DONOR ADVISED FUND (DAF)

Add funds to an existing DAF or open a new one by a written agreement at a community foundation or sponsoring organization.

Did you know? You qualify for a tax deduction when you make a gift to a DAF, without immediately having to choose the organizations you want to support. If you are ready to start making an impact with your DAF, consider recommending a grant (or recurring grants) to support ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod through the ELCA Foundation.

MAKE A GIFT FROM YOUR IRA

If you are 70½ or older, you can give any amount up to $100,000 from your IRA to the Grand Canyon Synod through the ELCA Foundation. (Note: This amount will be higher in subsequent years to adjust for inflation.) You will not pay income taxes on the transfer. If you are required to take minimum distributions, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your obligation. Your IRA administrator must remove the funds from your account by Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year.

Did you know? If you have check-writing features on your IRA, your check must clear your account by Dec. 31 to count toward your required minimum distribution for the calendar year.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON

As we approach the end of the year, we in the Grand Canyon Synod Office of the Bishop are happy to help ensure that you realize the greatest benefit for your faithful generosity. Connect with your Grand Canyon Synod stewardship staff to get started today!

Rev. Dan Potaznick, CFRE
Director of Generosity & Strategic Development

Office of the Bishop, Grand Canyon Synod

Email: Dpotaznick@gcsynod.org

Phone: (602) 957-3223

Lisa Marie Higginbotham, CFRE
Gift Planner, ELCA Foundation

Grand Canyon Synod (AZ)

Email: lisa.higginbotham@elca.org

Phone: (773) 380-2477

Josh Kerney, CFRE
Gift Planner, ELCA Foundation

Grand Canyon Synod (NV & UT)

Email: josh.kerney@elca.org

Phone: 530-520-0142