Giving FAQ
If you don’t see the answer you need, just drop us a line.
General Questions
Confidentiality & Security
E-gift
Stock Transfers
Personal Finances
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Generally. Good News Gathering is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations that we receive are tax-deductible. However, you should consult your tax advisor to see if you can deduct your donations. In accordance with IRS regulations, designated offerings may be put to alternate use. You will receive a receipt of your gift by e-mail or by postal mail.
What are your basic beliefs about money?
We believe that God has blessed our church because, from the beginning, we have followed three core principles in the handling of money: (1) bless people, (2) base your budget on what God wants to happen, not based on what you might get and (3) money is a tool for a church to use, and therefore should be spent and not saved. We believe these things strike at the heart of how God wants money to be used as seen in the Bible.
Where does Good News Gathering get all its money?
It’s the financial generosity of everyday people in our church family that fuels the incredible life change that we experience around here. Our support comes from the tithes of average people (giving 10 percent of their earnings), as well as other contributions from Good News Gathering attendees.
Does Good News Gathering have high accounting standards?
Yes. We have an annual internal audit by our Financial Director. You can request a copy of their report for any year and you will find that money given to Good News Gathering is managed with integrity.
How does your budgeting process work?
Each ministry, which consists of paid staff and volunteers, considers what their ministry goals and objectives are for the year. Corresponding costs are then determined. Individual ministry budgets may be increased or decreased based on the overall vision for Good News Gathering as determined by the Leadership Team. The final step is approval by the Leadership Team.
Do you have an open book policy?
Yes. It is easy for us to provide financial data since each ministry department receives a quarterly recap of their expenditures versus their budget. Simply contact our office and we will provide the appropriate information.
Why does Good News Gathering give things away?
Good News Gathering is not a for profit organization. We are a church that wants to build into people. If our people need something like a Bible, CDs of messages, coffee, curriculum, etc. we want them to have it.
What happens with yearly left-over money?
There is currently a fund to bankroll the Administrative Assistant's private Caribbean island for her retirement. Once that is paid for, all extra monies will be set aside for a private jet to ferry her to and from. Just kidding. The leftover money is put back into the ministry budget fund for the following year. Currently any left-over money is set aside for our "Building People" campaign or the Extension Ministry's outreach to those in need.
Why do I have to re-enter my credit card information each time?
When you chose a One Time Gift, we treat it as such and don’t keep any financial information beyond the One Time Gift. We do offer a Recurring Gift option that allows you to contribute regularly – by credit card or direct withdrawal from a bank account. See e-gift below for more information.
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CONFIDENTIALITY and SECURITY
Is giving on the site safe? Is your site secure?
Absolutely. Our site uses industry-standard SSL technology to ensure that the information you enter is kept secure from prying eyes. In addition, all sensitive information that we keep in our database is stored in encrypted form so that it is not human-readable.
Will I get spam by giving you my information?
While we may occasionally use your information to contact you, Good News Gathering does not buy, sell, barter, trade or otherwise distribute your information to any organization other than for the purposes you’ve given us permission to do (i.e. we have to tell the credit card company your name in order to charge your credit card).
I received a message saying that your site’s certificate wasn’t recognized. What should I do?
Your computer’s list of Certificate Authorities isn’t current. You should update your computer’s operating system software to get a current list. In the meantime, it is safe to use the site - the message is just a warning to make you aware of the situation.
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E-GIFT
What’s an e-gift?
E-gift is a completely voluntary, pre-approved way to electronically make contributions to Good News Gathering directly from your bank account or credit card, avoiding the hassle of putting cash or check in the offering basket each week.
Does this really honor God?
Many people feel that if giving is not done in the midst of a worship service, then it is somehow insignificant. The primary principle in giving is to be cheerful. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 it says, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." The joy of giving comes from the faithfulness of people offering back to God some of the resources he has blessed them with. The method of giving is an individual choice. The ease and consistency of using e-gift may help you meet your giving goals.
Can I give a One-Time gift?
Yes. You have an option to give a one-time gift or set up your gift as an automated recurring gift.
How can I make my gift an Automated Recurring Gift?
You will be given the option to make a one-time or recurring gift. There are only two options for a recurring gift on the website (weekly or monthly). If you indicate that you would like to have an automated recurring gift, the Financial team will contact you to set-up your gift with one of the following options:
- 1st of every month
- 15 of every month
- 1st & 15th of every month
- Weekly (every Friday)
Is there a minimum amount I need to contribute?
No. You can designate any amount to be given via e-gift.
Why am I asked for my Social Security Number and Driver's License number when processing an e-Check?
Simply stated, we want to protect your identity! The information you submit is checked against your credit report to confirm your identity. If you are not comfortable submitting that information online, you can still use the e-Check system. Simply obtain a giving envelope or an "Automate your Giving" brochure and fill out the required information (neither of these options will require your SS number or Driver's license number). Both the giving envelope and "Automate your Giving" brochure are available at the Information Center or contact the GNG office.
Do I have to have an account with a particular bank?
No. E-gift will work with any bank account located in the United States. E-gift also works with major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover)..
What if I change my mind?
You can cancel your participation at any time by contacting Good News Gathering or by filling out the "Automate Your Giving" brochure. You can also change the amount of your contribution at any time. Just keep in mind that it may take as many as seven to ten business days to implement your change.
What if I want to give more to Good News Gathering on special occasions?
You are always free to make gifts to Good News Gathering in excess of your monthly contributions. Some people do this as part of their year-end tax planning. Your contribution can be placed in the offering basket, mailed to the church office or given through the one time gift page.
What’s in it for Good News Gathering?
Our primary motivation is to make it easier to support Good News Gathering financially. The automatic withdrawal avoids the hassle of having to make cash contributions or write individual checks to Good News Gathering each week. There are also some benefits to Good News Gathering in the form of administrative savings – not having to collect, count, record and deposit as many contributions from the offering basket, and having a more predictable cash flow to help in budgetary planning. While one result may be that some people give more regularly, this program is all about serving those who support this ministry.
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STOCK TRANSFERS
I don’t use a broker. I have my own stock certificates. Can I still donate stock to Good News Gathering?
There are special forms and procedures involved for transferring paper stock certificates. Please contact the finance team at give@goodnewsgathering.org to start this process or to get more information.
I have a mutual fund. How can I give shares from that?
There are special forms and procedures unique to each mutual fund company. Please contact finance to discuss the specific procedures for your shares.
I need to better understand how a stock gift affects my taxes.
Good News Gathering does not provide legal or financial advice. For the details about a specific gift in the context of your unique financial situation, contact your attorney, accountant or financial planner. In general, gifts of appreciated securities held long term are one of the best ways to maximize the value of a gift and minimize the after-tax cost. Donors of appreciated stock receive a tax deduction for the full, fair-market value of the stock on the date of gift and pay no capital gain tax on the appreciation. A charitable contribution deduction of up to 30% of adjusted gross income is available, with carryover for up to five years for any unused deduction.
I have a loss on some stock and want to sell it. Does it make sense to give it to Good News Gathering instead?
Good News Gathering does not provide legal or financial advice. For the details about a specific gift in the context of your unique financial situation, contact your attorney, accountant or financial planner.
What does Good News Gathering do with the stock?
Good News Gathering works with its broker to determine the best financial strategy whether it is to sell the shares or allow them to mature. Either way the proceeds are transfered to Good News Gathering.
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YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES
We do not provide investment advice or recommendations. We have a Good Sense Ministry team that is comprised of Good News Gathering volunteers who do not profit in any way from the program. No investment advice is given and no investment products are sold.
What is Good Sense?
Good News Gathering’s Good Sense financial ministry is designed to help people take control of their individual finances through periodic seminars and counseling.
Why Good Sense?
Money influences our relationships: how we live, how we work, how we dress, who we marry, what we drive, where we live…need we say more? Our goal is to equip you to develop a basic budget, control debt and manage your finances in a way that is pleasing to God.
SEMINARS and WORKSHOPS
To find out more about any of the following Good Sense opportunities, stop by the Information Center the next time you’re at Good News Gathering or call us at 937-393-5383.
Financial Counseling
Provides confidential one-on-one counseling to address debt reduction, out of control spending, and personal, family and premarital budget development.
The Counseling Process
- Complete a detailed financial profile of your current situation.
- Meet one-on-one with a Good Sense counselor.
- Develop an action plan to achieve financial goals.
- Schedule follow up meetings over a 3-6 month period to assist with plan implementation.
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