Some donors to Meetinghouse want to support specific ministries and causes within the Church, and/or choose to give gifts where the benefit can be stretched over multiple years. Such gifts are sometimes known as directed gifts, designated gifts, or restricted gifts. In order to enable our staff to manage such gifts both efficiently and effectively, please consider the information below.
Before making a restricted/designated gift, please contact our Church Administrator, Finance Director, Treasurer, and/or Senior Minister, who can work with you to consider the numerous ways that your generosity can benefit Meetinghouse Church. You may also reach out to the staff member who would be responsible for utilizing the funds. Our goals in accepting designated gifts are to:
-Ensure that your charitable intentions are captured and respected
-Ensure that the church can reasonably manage the funds that we receive (i.e. not so narrow a purpose that we can’t find a meaningful way to put your generosity into action)
Such designated gifts can be directed in the following ways:
Unrestricted gifts to the Meetinghouse Church Foundation (MCF) – Can be used for any purpose, subject to approval by both Council and the MCF Board. Past examples include Innové, the Blessing Initiative, Name Change related expenses, Bell Tower repairs, and covering our operating deficits.
Restricted gifts to Meetinghouse Church (MHC) – Accessible to staff for special initiatives or expenses not covered within the operating budget. Fund owners must obtain approvals from the Treasurer and/or Council, depending upon dollar amount and scope, which make these Funds less onerous to put to work. We currently accept restricted gifts into the following categories:
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- -Youth Miscellaneous
- -Children’s Education reserve
- -Music reserve
- -Giving Voice donations
- -Missions special gifts
- -Refugee support
- -Building and Grounds