Charlotte (Lottie) Moon understood the importance of sacrificial giving. As an IMB missionary to China in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Lottie’s surroundings were grim as the Chinese people faced war and starvation. Despite the circumstances, she invested her life with a mission to reach others with the gospel and gave of her own meager finances to feed those in need.

IMB supporters can seek to maximize their kingdom giving to support missionaries worldwide by giving their non-cash assets and using tax-efficient contribution methods.

Take steps now to reflect on how best to utilize the finances you steward and evaluate these seven helpful strategies with your financial advisor and/or IMB stewardship advisor.

1. Donating Appreciated Securities: Giving long-term, appreciated securities rather than cash can avoid potential capital gains taxes, allowing you to give more at the same net cost. With certain limitations, donors may receive a fair-market-value tax deduction on securities donated to a beloved charitable organization.
2. Bunching Contributions to Itemize: Few taxpayers currently benefit from itemizing because of the sizeable standard deduction increase from the Tax Cut & Jobs Act of 2017. However, by “bunching” larger-than-normal charitable contributions into a single year, a taxpayer may benefit from itemizing that year, before returning to the standard deduction in a subsequent year when the threshold is not exceeded.
3. Utilizing a Donor-Advised Fund: Consider establishing a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to streamline your charitable giving. Grants may be recommended to specific charities over time. Donor-advised funds may be particularly appealing to investors who seek to “bunch” larger than normal deductions in a particular year, and desire to make future grants to favorite nonprofits.
4. Making Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): For individuals aged 70½ or older, making direct transfers from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified charity can satisfy Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) up to $105,000 without incurring taxable income.
5. Funding a Charitable Gift Annuity from your IRA: The passage of the SECURE Act 2.0 enables those over age 70 ½ to make a one-time QCD from an IRA to fund a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). Individuals may transfer up to $53,000 and potentially combine their own CGA with one established by their spouse. Although IRA assets are not subject to tax when properly transferred to the CGA, the annual payments to the donor will be taxed as ordinary income.
6. Gifting Real Estate: Donating real estate unhindered by debt can yield tax advantages. Donors can potentially receive a charitable deduction based on the property’s fair market value while avoiding capital gains taxes.
7. Legacy Giving: Gifts of bequests, trusts, or endowments to charity can provide a lasting impact on your most treasured causes and reduce your taxable estate. Establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) allows donors to receive an income stream from the trust for a period of time (potentially over a lifetime), with the remainder going to a beloved charitable organization. A CRT may provide immediate tax benefits while supporting your philanthropic goals and providing supplemental income. Imagine the joy of knowing your philanthropic vision can continue beyond your lifetime!

One reminder – many income tax and estate tax provisions are expected to be negatively affected at the end of 2025 due to the planned “sunset” of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Planned changes could have adverse implications for your personal finances and will likely bring increased demand for planning. Take time to speak with your advisors now to make your money work with a mission!

About the author:

Jay D. Westmoreland, CFP®, CAP® serves as Executive Director of Wealth Management, Senior Portfolio Management Director, and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley in Charlotte and is a leader in the firm’s Christian Focus Group. He is an active member of First Baptist Church of Charlotte.

Jay D. Westmoreland is a Financial Advisor with the Wealth Management division of Morgan Stanley in Charlotte, NC. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC www.sipc.org. Jay D. Westmoreland may only transact business in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Jay D. Westmoreland is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. For more information, please visit my website https:// advisor.morganstanley.com/jay.westmoreland.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning or other legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC

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