Stewardship campaigns invite supporters to give beyond their current levels of support. The best path to increased giving is spiritual — aligning financial priorities with eternal values. King David declared, “I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). This is “Lifestyle Stewardship,” where bold, prayerful giving shapes your living. Often, it means making intentional sacrifices in one area to invest more deeply in another.
DONATE APPRECIATED STOCK
Donating appreciated stock — whether public or private — allows you to avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction. For example, if you bought stock for $1,000 and it’s now valued at $5,000, donating it to Mars Hill Academy avoids capital gains on the $4,000 increase had you sold the stock outright and provides a full $5,000 charitable deduction if the stock has been held more than one year.
LEVERAGE EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS
Many companies match employee charitable contributions. Donors can check with their HR office to see if their gift to the stewardship campaign qualifies for a match.
COMMIT UNEXPECTED CASH
Sometimes God provides unexpected resources — an inheritance, bonus, or financial windfall. These can be given toward a three-year pledge to the campaign.
GIVE FROM ABUNDANCE
Meaningful gifts can come from what we already have. Donating valuable assets — such as special collections or long-term savings — will leave a lasting impact.
REDIRECT PRESENT EXPENSES
When a financial obligation ends, generosity can begin. For example, when a child graduates from college or a loan is paid off, payments can be redirected toward the capital campaign to make a lasting impact without changing your budget.
PRACTICE PRIORITY BUDGETING
Many Christians postpone major expenses — like a new car, vacation, or home remodel — to give more to a stewardship campaign. By prioritizing giving over spending, they make sacrificial commitments rooted in faith.
ESTABLISH A CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST
A charitable remainder trust funded with stock or real estate provides to receive lifetime income while making a significant gift to the Mars Hill Academy campaign. This trust provides significant tax advantages, but careful planning is needed. Assistance in planning and creating this type of trust is available.
MAKE A QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION
Individuals age 70 ½ or older can contribute up to $108,000 per year (or up to $216,000 per couple) directly from an IRA to a charity, avoiding income tax on the distribution. Retirement assets can also be directed to charity through an estate plan, minimizing taxes for your heirs and estate.
INCREASE GIVING WITH INCREASED INCOME
Salary increases and bonuses provide natural opportunities to grow giving to the stewardship campaign without affecting existing budgets.
COMMIT APPRECIATED PROPERTY
Donating appreciated real estate that has been owned for more than a year — such as vacant land, a vacation home, or rental property — to Mars Hill Academy can provide a tax deduction for full market value while avoiding capital gains tax.
GIVE WITH FIXED INCOME
For retirees relying on fixed income investments, a Charitable Gift Annuity provides a secure way to support the Mars Hill Academy campaign while offering guaranteed lifetime payments — often at higher rates than Certificates of Deposit and other secure investments — with tax-free benefits. These annuities also offer charitable income tax deductions, and, upon death, the remaining balance benefits Mars Hill Academy.
DONATE PERSONAL PROPERTY
Tangible assets such as jewelry, art, or collections can be donated to advance the mission of MHA.
OFFER SACRIFICAL SERVICE
Some families choose to take on part-time work or dedicate extra income during this season to increase their support for the stewardship campaign.
In reviewing these suggested ways to give, please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax, financial, and practical implications. If you need or desire assistance with a planned gift to MHA, professional counsel is available. If you don’t see your preferred method listed or have a creative idea for giving, please reach out. For further assistance, please contact Development Director Nancy Musser at Nancy.Musser@marshill.edu.