SMART WAYS TO GIVE
Tax-Wise, Faith-Driven, Kingdom-Focused
(QCDs, DAFs, Stocks, and More)
Beyond regular tithes, offerings, and designated gifts, qualified donors can use several IRS-approved methods to support The Fellowship of San Antonio — while also receiving meaningful tax benefits.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
Are you age 70½ or older with an IRA? A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to donate up to $108,000 per spouse in 2025 directly from your IRA to a qualified charity without paying income tax on the withdrawal.
A QCD can satisfy part or all of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). Because the funds go directly to the charity, you avoid adding the distribution to your taxable income. This may also reduce taxation on Social Security benefits, the Medicare net investment income tax, and even lower your Medicare Part B and D premiums.
By using a QCD, you can support the Fellowship while fulfilling your RMD obligations in a tax-efficient way.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
If you have established a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), you can recommend that grants from your fund be distributed to The Fellowship of San Antonio, a qualified 501(c)(3) organization.
DAFs allow you to make contributions (and claim the deduction) when it best fits your financial plan, then direct the charitable grants over time. This flexibility makes DAFs an excellent financial planning tool for intentional, faith-based giving.
Donating Appreciated Stock
Gifting long-term appreciated stock directly to the Fellowship can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to give.
By donating shares instead of selling them, you:
• Avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated amount, and
• Receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock.
This strategy allows you to rebalance your portfolio while maximizing your charitable impact.
Using Life Insurance
Some life insurance policies include charitable giving riders, which pay a specific percentage of the policy’s face value to a charity such as the Fellowship.
Another approach is a policy donation, in which you transfer ownership of an existing life insurance policy to the Fellowship. This strategy can reduce the size of your taxable estate and potentially lower future estate taxes for higher-income donors, while providing a lasting legacy to the church.
Basics of Using Life Insurance Link
Including The Fellowship in Your Will
You can also name The Fellowship of San Antonio in your will or estate plan.
A helpful resource for preparing a basic will is: www.freewill.com which offers no-cost tools for creating your will. Please consult a qualified legal advisor before finalizing any estate documents or wills.
Important Note:
Please consult your with a qualified financial/investment/legal advisors to determine how these giving strategies may apply to your personal situation.
Questions?
Contact our Business Manager: Doug Hess — doug.hess@thefellowshipofsa.org