This coming fall season heralds an important time for nonprofit Christian ministries like ICR, marking the start of annual giving opportunities as we proceed toward the end of the tax year. In addition, certain charitable opportunities with significant tax advantages are due to expire at the end of 2011 unless Congress acts to extend them…an unlikely event in light of our nation’s current financial situation. For our supporters, now is the time to seriously consider the following ways you can help ICR fulfill its unique mission and advance the cause of the Creator.

The popular IRA Charitable Rollover, belatedly restored late last year, will expire at the end of 2011 unless an extension is passed. This special provision allows owners of traditional or Roth IRAs who are age 70½ or older to make charitable gifts directly to ICR without having to declare it as income. These special IRA gifts also count toward your required minimum distribution, providing a twofold opportunity to support ICR while avoiding taxes on income you would otherwise be required to take. IRA gifts are easy to make through your current administrator, so please contact them today if this opportunity is right for you.

This month also marks the traditional start of Workplace Giving Campaigns sponsored by government organizations and large corporations, and ICR has worked hard to gain approval in selected giving programs. These special programs provide unique benefits to their employees, offering the convenience of automatic payroll deduction to fund charities of the employee’s choosing. Charities must meet high standards to participate, and as a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry, all donations to ICR through workplace giving campaigns are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.

For federal government and military personnel, ICR is approved by the Combined Federal Campaign…look for us in the National/International Organization section of your local CFC brochure under the CFC identification number 23095. ICR is also approved by the two largest State Employee Giving Campaigns…in California and Texas…offering state employees an opportunity to support our ministry work by designating the Institute for Creation Research on the pledge form. Similarly, employees of large corporations that offer workplace giving campaigns can designate gifts to ICR by providing our name and address in the "Write-In Organization" section of the pledge form this fall.

Lastly, the volatility of the stock market in recent years may present a marvelous opportunity to support the work of ICR while avoiding the significant tax burden on the sale of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Shares that have been held for at least one year can be gifted directly to ICR, providing a tax deduction at their full current value while also completely avoiding capital gains tax. Contact ICR for our brokerage account information and let us help you facilitate your gift.

While we "knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1), we can and should use such seasonal or expiring opportunities to the best of our ability to support God’s work here on earth. ICR is deeply thankful for all those who co-labor with us in our mission, but are especially pleased when our ministry partners are able to "reap bountifully" with their gifts as well (2 Corinthians 9:6). Please prayerfully consider these special advantages in support of our ministry this fall.

* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research.

 Cite this article: Morris IV, H. 2011. 'Tis the Fall Season. Acts & Facts. 40 (9): 21.