Six Simple Ways to Give to Charity

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Generosity

When we read about the ministry of Jesus in the Gospels, we read about journeys He took, teachings He gave, and people He healed, often overlooking the financial support he received to carry out His ministry.  In fact, you must look carefully for mention of people contributing to His work. 

One mention is in Luke 8:1-3: “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”

It is challenging to think that the Son of God, who had the ability to call down legions of angels from Heaven (Matthew 26:53) needed people to come alongside Him with money while He was on earth.   There is, however, a lesson for us.  God has given us similar opportunities today by letting us financially help ministries that glorify Him.  

Here are six simple charitable giving strategies:

1.       Write a check.

2.       Transfer a stock or bond.

3.       Include a bequest upon death.

4.       Make the charity the beneficiary of a qualified plan or IRA.

5.       Make the charity the beneficiary of life insurance.

6.       Gift the life insurance policy to the charity.

Most of us have non-profits that interest us, whether we’ve been impacted by them personally or we value the impact they make on others.   Consider how the women mentioned earlier: Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and many others contributed financially to Jesus’ ministry.  Let’s strive to emulate them.  What ministries will you consider giving to?

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor

208.697.3699

doug@christianwm.com