Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes, First Church is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations that we receive are tax-deductible. However, you should consult your tax advisor to see if you can deduct your donations from your income tax filing.
Cash contributions must be received or postmarked by December 31 to be included on your giving statement for that year. Online transactions must be initiated by December 31.
Is it safe to give online and are there any fees?
It is safe to give online. In fact, in many ways giving online is safer than writing a check because an electronic gift cannot be lost or stolen. The security of the system is monitored by Vanco, our online merchant services system.
You will not be charged any fees with an online gift.
Will I get spam by giving you my information?
While we may occasionally use your information to contact you, First Church 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 give the credit card company your name, address, and card numbering order to charge your credit card).
What types of accounts can I give from And Is There A Minimum Contribution Amount?
You can give online from your checking or savings account or your MasterCard, Visa or Discover card. And you can choose any amount to be given for any gift.
Can I give a special gift in addition to my regular pledge?
You are always free to make special gifts to First Church in addition to your regular pledge. Simply indicate on the donation form what your special gift is for.
Can I make a one-time contribution?
Yes. The system allows you the option of making a one-time contribution or setting up a recurring contribution. For a one-time contribution, you can choose whether or not the contribution should be made immediately or, for both one-time and recurring contributions, you can schedule the contributions to come out of your bank account or be charged to your credit card on the date(s) specified by you.
If I want to set-up a recurring gift, How Often Can I give And When Will Contributions Be Taken From My Account?
For recurring gifts, you have the option of giving weekly, monthly, or annually.
Contributions will be taken from your specified account within 48 business hours of the date you requested. This time frame allows for processing through your bank and the church’s bank. If the date of your contribution falls on a weekend or a holiday, the transaction will be initiated on the next banking day.
Who should I contact for more information about regular giving at First Church?
For donation and contribution questions, please contact Finance Manager Shaun Cates in our Finance Office at 619-297-4366, ext. 108.
What are Legacy Gifts and How Can I get More Information?
Legacy Gifts are a means to give to First Church and guarantee your ongoing financial support of the church beyond your lifetime. There are many legacy gifting options available at First Church:*
Gifts of Cash
Gifts of Life Insurance
Gifts of Marketable Securities
Gifts of Retirement Funds, IRAs
Gifts of Real Estate
Gifts of Business Interests
Charitable Gift Annuity
Charitable Remainder Trust
Invest in the Church’s Pooled Income Fund
For Planned Giving and Legacy Gifts questions, please contact Jason Tucker in our Development Office at 619-297-4366, ext. 145.
*Gifts may be given as undesignated or designated for a specific purpose and may be placed in an endowment fund or used to help fund the church’s current needs.
