When it come to charitable giving, we can learn a lot from Jesus. In the Gospels, He lifts up two truths about our relationship with money and what it means to live in the world but not be of the world.
- On the one hand, He praises the widow who gave her last two coins (Mark 12:41-44), teaching us that generosity springs from trust in God rather than abundance.
- On the other hand, He reminds His disciples to be “shrewd” in this world (Luke 16:8) — to act with wisdom and foresight, even in matters of wealth.
Our call is to hold these two lessons together when we think about our approach to charitable giving: to give freely and joyfully, while also stewarding our resources with wisdom.
That’s why we want to share an important update about upcoming tax law changes in 2026. These changes will shape how donors of all sizes experience the financial side of their generosity.
- Everyday donors: Beginning in 2026, non-itemizers will be able to deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples) for gifts directly to charities. This will be a new encouragement to give consistently, with both impact and benefit. For 2025, while no new tax benefits exist, we warmly invite you to remember us in your giving as you have in years past, giving with radical generosity rooted in faith.
- Large donors: Starting in 2026, deductions will only apply after 0.5% of adjusted gross income, and they will be capped at 35% — a reduction from today’s rules. For those of you giving $10,000 or more each year, this may affect your planning.
- DAF donors: Contributions to Donor-Advised Funds remain deductible for itemizers, but the new limits will apply in 2026.
📌 What this means for 2025: This is the final year under the current, more favorable rules. It may be wise to consider making larger or planned gifts before December 31, whether directly or through a Donor-Advised Fund.
In the spirit of the widow’s offering, we know that every gift — large or small — is precious. But in the spirit of Jesus’ call to be shrewd stewards, we also want to help you plan well. By understanding both the spiritual and practical sides of charitable giving, we can align our generosity with God’s call and the realities of our time.
🙏 Your generosity in 2025 not only strengthens our mission but also ensures that your stewardship reflects both faith and wisdom.
