Cash Gifts
A cash gift in any amount is a convenient and popular way to show your faithful support for the church. If you itemize deductions on your return, the full amount of your gift qualifies for a charitable income tax deduction—up to 100% of your adjusted gross income.
Appreciated Property Gifts
If you own investments that have increased in value (stocks, bonds, real estate, or mutual funds), you can donate them to the church for the full fair market value and avoid declaring the capital gain on the assets as income. Many people consider this the equivalent of a “double deduction.”
Giving Life Insurance
Do you own an old life insurance policy that is no longer needed? Perhaps the purpose for the policy no longer exists (your children are grown or your mortgage is paid off) or your financial situation has changed and mitigates the need for the insurance. Consider giving the policy to the church and receive a charitable income tax deduction for the lesser of your cost basis or the replacement value.
Memorial Gifts
Thinking of those important persons (a teacher, pastor, relative or loved one) who have touched your life, you may want to do something special. Designating a memorial gift to the Capital Campaign in the name of that important someone can be a satisfying way to honor those whose memories continue to enrich our lives.
IRA Rollover
If you are 70½ or older, the federal government permits you to rollover up to $105,000 from your IRA to charity without increasing your taxable income or paying any additional tax, and the distribution will count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD). To take advantage of this opportunity, contact your IRA custodian bank or brokerage firm for the IRA charitable distribution forms necessary to make your gift.
Wise Tax Planning
The standard deduction threshold in 2025 is $30,000 for joint filers ($15,000 for single filers), $22,000 if filing as a head-of-household. Seniors over the age of 65 who meet certain qualifications are now eligible for a further deduction when filing their taxes. If your total deductions are less than those amounts, you won’t be able to deduct any charitable gifts. A year-end gift or accelerating contribution for future years may add just enough to allow you to take advantage of your full itemized deduction.
Legacy Giving
Consider designating First Christian Church of Falls Church as a beneficiary in your estate planning. Your charitable donation, if undesignated, will continue to be a gift in perpetuity through the church’s Chalice Fund.