Do we really need a process for Philanthropy?
The answer depends on how you feel about developing and attracting revenue for ministries that are important to you and others for current or future needs, outside of pastor support and general maintenance of your building.
Some examples are:
- A heritage fund for restoring and preserving your historic building. Many people who are inside and outside the Church such as, the neighborhood, including specific grants which may be given to upkeep churches, who would like to see the building maintained and well preserved.
- Missions are also a very good cause that our Christian brethren appreciate giving to. They may, of course, give through their own Church, however these opportunities may be more limited and they have more funds at their disposal.
- The Christian School associate with your Church or Bible School are of interest to donors as well.
These donors may be members elsewhere, so they may not be interested a donating to the general fund which would pay for your Pastor’s salary and Church expenses, however, they may be interested in donating to something that is important to them, such as a historic Church building, Missions, Christian schools or Bible Schools. You may consider mentioning some of these needs which can be segregated in your accounting for these funds.
The Lord has blessed some Christians with money and they are looking for opportunities to give what they consider is the Lord’s anyway; the money that has been entrusted to them. They may also want to bequest at their death or give their current Required Minimum Distribution, while living; saving current income taxes and taxes at death.
You will need to account for these funds as they are considered restricted and cannot be used for other purposes.
