Holiday Questions Only Church Administrators Consider Why gifts to staff have strings attached and copyright laws still apply. The Editors
Q&A: How Should We Handle a Retirement Account Donation? Why an acknowledgement letter works better for documenting a retirement account donation. Vonna Laue
Advantage Member Exclusive Key Year-End Financial and Tax Tasks for Church Leaders On-Demand Webinar: CPA and attorney Richard Hammar lists critical tasks to focus on as the year draws to a close.
Mastering Seventeen End-of-Year Financial Tasks Make sure these various, critical end-of-year financial tasks are covered as you and your church move in to the new year. The Editors
Reliable Financial Data for Churches Replace assumptions with research and insights you can trust. David P. King and Chris Munn
Q&A: Are Churches Legally Required to Issue Statements for Every Contribution? What about a one-time donation of only $10? Matthew Branaugh
Six Insights About Summer Ministry Slumps Some churches keep their ministries robust during the so-called “downtime.” Thom Rainer
Religious and Individual Giving Dipped in 2018 Newly released philanthropy report reveals decreases in giving that may, in part, be due to tax policy changes. Chris Lutes
Q&A: Does a Gift to Support a Camp Counselor Have Tax Implications? If a payment of $600 or more is intended to help cover the student’s expenses, then it is reported on the student’s Form 1099-NEC. Elaine L. Sommerville
Q&A: How Should My Church Handle a Donation of a US Savings Bond? The church may not issue a charitable contribution receipt. Frank Sommerville
Shoes, Blenders, Toasters and More— Deducting Donated Household Items Deducting donated household items is not as simple as it seems and may actually be more trouble than it's worth. Bobby Ross Jr.
Are You Prepared to Accept Bitcoin Donations? Virtual currency can be given to your church without donors paying taxes on gains realized. Michael E. Batts
Encouraging Estate Gifts in Your Church Ways to effectively—and legally—promote this form of giving. Bob Smietana
Should Your Church Raise Money Through Crowdfunding Sites? A fundraising expert offers insights on this increasingly popular online tool. Interview with NextAfter’s Brady Josephson by Bob Smietana
The Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding With promising technology comes legal and tax considerations. Bob Smietana
9 Ways to Reverse a Downward Giving Trend A positive approach to encourage stewardship and generosity. Karl Vaters
Q&A: How Should Items Donated for a Silent Auction Be Treated for Tax Purposes? Items donated to a silent auction are treated the same as other noncash contributions to the church. Kaylyn Varnum
How Should Churches Respond to Hurricanes? Guidance for ministries in the wake of a devastating natural disaster. Kyle Rohane
Q&A: Is This “Humanitarian Effort” Possible—or Even Legal? While this plan may be well intentioned, it must be abandoned immediately. Frank Sommerville