It's not too early to plan an end of year appeal. A charitable gift made any time during the year and received by a charity qualifies as a charitable contribution for the year in which the gift is made. The diocese has bulletin inserts you can copy to remind people of the benefits of making next year's gift before December 31, and the additional benefits of making the gift with appreciated securities held for more than a year. If your church is considering establishing an endowment fund, here are some guidelines used by many churches. Encourage open thinking toward having an account.
Every church can build on existing small accounts.
Keep the congregation advised not only of the account but how and why the money is used. Avoid the perception the money is to be used casually by preserving the income for special uses. Remember that even the smallest gifts are important. The funds should be disclosed to the congregation in a manner that properly illustrates the good work being done. Projects should be made visible in church structure, programs and local missions.