Proportional Giving

What is Proportional Giving? It is simply committing to give a specific percentage of your income to St. James'. While 10% (the Biblical tithe) of gross income is the goal, we recognize that you may not feel called or equipped to tithe right now and Proportional Giving allows you to systematically work towards the tithe goal by starting at a lower percentage and increasing by 1% or more each year. Proportionate giving makes everybody important to our effort, no matter the size of your pledge. The key to being able to truthfully say "I'm a part of everybody" is 100% participation.

Annual Pledge

One way to make a pledge is to make an annual pledge. Giving in this way helps sustain the parish. To download the annual pledge card, click here.

Many Ways to Give

Cash or checks: Cash - usually in the form of a check or electronic funds transfer - is the most common type of charitable gift. Tax benefits are available for cash gifts when you itemize deductions on your tax return. Cash contributions typically qualify for a tax deduction that is limited to 50% of the donor's adjusted gross income for one year. Any amount over this percentage is eligible for the five-year carry-over privilege.

Payments: using a Credit Card you can choose to pay your pledge in any manner that best suits your financial situation. You can make one lump-sum payment. You can make quarterly or monthly gifts. Or, you can break it down into weekly gifts. The pledge card is designed for you to choose the payment situation that will work best for you. For your convenience, St. James' will send reminders monthly or quarterly if you choose those payment options. Additionally, we offer an Electronic Funds Transfer option for those who prefer this automatic payment system.

Matching Gifts: By all means, take advantage of this if your company offers it! Your employer may match some or the entire donation you make to our stewardship campaign. Check with your Community Giving or Human Resources Department for more information. Filling out a simple form could significantly increase (possibly even double or triple!) your contribution. Some companies' giving guidelines do not allow contributions to churches. Your gift and your company's gift will help fund the various ministries of our mission.

Appreciated Securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds): When you make this gift, you can save and give at the same time. Stocks, bonds and mutual fund shares that have appreciated can be donated to St. James' and your deduction is for the full market value at the time the gift is made -not just your original cost for the securities. You can also save by paying no capital gains tax on the sale of the securities as you would if you sold the security and held the cash. Donating this stock to St. James' will allow the donor to avoid the capital gains tax on the profit and deduct the full market value as a contribution.

Depreciated Securities: These, too, can benefit St. James' (and you!). You can sell securities that have declined in value and claim those losses on your tax return. Then, donate the cash from the sale and, of course, claim a charitable deduction on your tax return for the amount of the gift.

Appreciated Property: Both real estate and personal property qualify as charitable gifts. This broad group of gifts ranges from residences, farmland and buildings - to antiques, jewelry, artwork, and coin collections. Contact Robin Young, Stewardship/Membership Coordinator, 774-4243 prior to gifting appreciated property. Some restrictions apply.

Business Gifts: Businesses can make gifts and receive tax deductions as well. Businesses can give gifts of inventory, equipment, materials and service as well as cash. If you own a business, giving through your business is another way to make a contribution to St. James'. Contact John Scibilia, Parish Manager, to discuss in-kind donation ideas. Cash or appreciated securities contributions from companies can be processed in the same manner as contributions from individuals.