Introduction

Thank you for supporting Crossroads Church and it’s mission to “Love People, Everywhere!” For us to do this, we rely on the generosity of great people like you! We know that in this day-and-age there are a lot of people and organizations asking for your contributions. Trust is critical when giving your time, goods, and funds. Below outlines our philosophy of giving. In it we highlight our policies and best practices for treating your gift with the utmost respect and care.

Classification

Crossroads Church is a qualified charitable organization exempt from federal income taxes under IRS Sec 501(c)(3). Contributions to the church are deductible for federal income tax purposes under the rules and regulations established under the current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Types of Contributions

Generally speaking, a contribution to the church is either 1) undesignated giving, which supports the yearly operational budget of the church through our Operational Fund, or 2) designated giving, which supports other approved funds or projects of the church (which may or may not be part of the yearly budget). The purpose of this policy is to set forth how both kinds of gifts will be treated in order to be considered a tax deductible contribution. For purposes of this policy, the following terms are used:

Tax Deductible or Charitable Contribution – a gift of cash or property given to a qualified organization by a donor who receives no tangible benefits from the gift and gives up full control of the gift for the organization to use for its purpose and mission.
Undesignated Gift – A gift that is given without designation. The yearly budget (General Fund) is funded primarily through undesignated gifts, and as such, donors are encouraged to give without designation.
Designated Gift – A gift that is designated for a specific fund (other than the General Fund) or ministry project. Designated giving will be accepted only for funds or special projects that have been approved. Such funds will be used to support the purpose for which they were originally intended until that purpose has been satisfied, after which any excess funds are used for other purposes consistent with the church’s ministry. Designated gifts for budgeted line item expenses (e.g. specific ministry or event) will be accepted in accordance with #2 below.

A General Policy Regarding Giving Credit

There are a few things that are good to know when giving to a church. 1) A properly qualified church will have a leadership board (i.e Church Board) to ensure that all charitable donations are used according to the mission and vision of the church. This is one of their primary duties. Because of this, all donors should give with a heart to allow the leadership of the church to direct those funds as needed. This requires trust and a relinquishment of control over that gift. 2) Donors may “designate” funds to a budget line, ministry, initiative, or project. However, for tax deductible giving credit to apply, those “designations” are suggestions made by the donor and not directives (See section “We love Designated Giving). 3) All donors should know that it is the duty of the leadership of the church to do their very best to honor all giving suggestions, ensuring those gifts go to the desired funds, unless absolutely necessary. 4) Any and all funds that are re-directed will be used to further the mission and vision of the church. 5) Church leadership will do it’s best to contact any donor who’s gift is re-directing prior to the gift’s re-classification (unless communicated through the giving campaign).

We Love “Undesignated” Giving

All undesignated giving from our weekly tithes and offerings will be directed to the General Fund. The General Fund financially supports the majority of ministry and operations of the church. Everything from our utilities to cookies for the Children’s ministry is paid through the General Fund. This fund is directed by the annual budget.

We Love “Designated” Giving

Any gift designated for a budget category or line item expense (under any fund) will be added to the budgeted amount. Designated funds will be spent first. Such gifts will be used to support the purpose for which they were originally intended until that purpose has been satisfied, after which any excess funds are used for other purposes consistent with the church’s ministry.