As the end of the year approaches, many pause to reflect, give thanks, review, and plan.

Thoughtfully addressing your charitable giving priorities between now and December 31 can help assure maximum benefits for you and your charitable interests. Carefully considering what to give and when to give it can help increase the impact of your gifts while helping to meet personal priorities as well. Thank you for living generously!

Enjoy Tax Savings While Fueling Kingdom Work

Federal and state law make it possible to reduce or eliminate taxes on funds you give for charitable purposes. 

For example, because funds used to make charitable gifts are deducted from the amount otherwise subject to Federal Income Tax when you itemize your deductions, you may be able to give more than you thought possible. The amount and timing of your charitable gifts are totally within your control. This is why millions of Americans each year take advantage of the opportunity to make charitable gifts while also reducing their tax liability.

Gifts of Cash

Cash gifts remain the simplest and fastest way to give.

If you itemize, you may deduct up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for cash gifts to qualified charities.

Gifts exceeding that limit can be carried forward for up to five years.

The higher your tax bracket, the more you save — and the more you empower ministry.

Save Even More with Non-Cash Gifts

Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that you’ve held for more than a year can produce extraordinary benefits. If you have held such assets for longer than a year, you can generally donate them and deduct their current value, including any “unrealized gains,” from your taxable income. Congress has provided that in addition to regular tax savings, you do not have to pay capital gains tax on most appreciated assets given to charity. This additional tax savings is one reason why some people choose to make their gifts in this way. 

• Avoid capital-gains tax entirely on appreciated assets given directly to charity. 
• Deduct the full fair-market value (up to 30% of AGI for long-term assets). 
• Choose assets that have grown the most — or low-yield holdings that won’t impact your cash flow. 
• If an investment has decreased in value, you can sell it, take a capital-loss deduction, and donate the proceeds — often producing a larger combined deduction.

The assets that are best to give are those that have increased the most in value and would result in the greatest capital gains tax if sold. Many also choose to give low yielding assets, resulting in little or no impact on future spendable income. Allow extra time in December for transfers of mutual funds or non-publicly traded securities. We can help coordinate with your broker.

Giving alternative non-cash assets (such as Vehicles, Land, Real Estate, Commodities, Business Holdings, Stocks, Mutual Funds, Annuities, IRA Distribution, Cryptocurrency, and the like) can help maximize Year-End Giving.

Giving Fully Depreciated Assets

If you have investments that have decreased in value since you've owned them, consider selling them and making a deductible gift of the cash proceeds. This creates a loss that you may be able to deduct from other taxable income along with your cash contributions. The amount of your deductible loss combined with the charitable deduction may actually amount to more than the current value of the donated asset. 

Giving of Securities

When making a gift of securities, check with your financial services provider to ensure that it is transferred properly and in a timely manner. You Should allow additional time for gifts of mutual fund shares or non-publicly traded securities. We will be pleased to assist in this process.

Give From Your IRA

If you’re age 70½ or older, consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA. This powerful tool lets you give up to $108,000 in 2025 (indexed annually) tax-free.

• QCDs satisfy required minimum distributions (RMDs).
• The amount donated does not count toward your taxable income.
• Gifts must go directly from your IRA custodian to New Chapel (not to you first).
• These funds will never be subject to income or estate tax — a powerful legacy move.

This may make it possible to give more at the same or lower cost than in the past. 

Talk with your financial advisor to initiate a QCD in time for the 2025 deadline. 

Leaving a Legacy

As you review your long-range plans, consider leaving a legacy of faith and generosity. Wills, life-insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other vehicles can all include charitable designations. You can make a future gift and often receive current-year tax benefits or income streams today. If you’d like to explore charitable bequests, beneficiary designations, or trust options that include New Chapel, contact us. We’d love to help you craft a plan that honors God and blesses generations to come.

A Note About Giving to Chapelton Christian School

Gifts to our school’s 501(c)(3) funds (scholarships, building projects, or general ministry) are tax-deductible. Note: Tuition or payments for services are not deductible. If you’d like to sponsor a student or contribute to a school fund, please designate your gift accordingly.

Act Now for Greatest Benefit
Timing Matters. As the year draws to a close, act now to make certain you have accomplished your charitable goals for this year. Remember that time spent deciding what, when, and how to best make your gifts can result in maximum tax savings and other financial benefits.

• Give by Dec 31, 2025 to qualify under current law (no new AGI floor, full itemized benefits).
• Wait until Jan 1, 2026, and you’ll give under the new framework — including a new 0.5% AGI floor for itemizers and the new above-the-line deduction for non-itemizers.
• Checks must be postmarked by Dec 31, and online gifts completed by 11:59 p.m. ET to count for 2025.

Please contact us if we can be of assistance in any way. Your accountant or other advisors can provide you with more information specific to your needs.

New Chapel

1029 4 Mile Road NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Contributions can still be made online, or by mail. Mailed contributions must be postmarked by December 31, to receive tax deductible contribution credit for this year.

newchapel.com/give

The purpose of this publication is to provide general gift, estate, and financial planning information: it is not intended as legal, accounting, or other professional advice. For assistance in planning charitable gifts with tax and other financial implications, the services of appropriate advisors should be obtained. Consult an attorney for advice if your plans require revision of a will or other legal document. Tax deductions vary based on applicable federal discount rates, which can change on a monthly basis. Some opportunities may not be available in all states.

What are my next steps?

1. Begin to Tithe.

Trust God with your finances by returning 10% back to Him.

You can give below:

2. Give a Year-End Offering.

Consider the benefits of trusting God in this way. Ask Him what your part to play is, and take your step. 

You can give below:

FAQ

1. “Can I still deduct if I don’t itemize?”
   — In 2026, yes: up to $1,000 single / $2,000 married for cash gifts to public charities (DAFs excluded). For 2025, non-itemizers don’t get a federal deduction.
   
   
2. “I itemize—should I give now or later?”
   — Many itemizers will benefit by giving in 2025 before the 0.5% AGI floor begins in 2026. Ask your tax advisor.
   
   
3. “What about RMDs and QCDs?”
   — If you’re 70½+, a QCD lets you give from an IRA without increasing AGI; it can satisfy RMDs. 2025 limit: $108,000.