Financial instruments (such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRA's, etc.) are excellent ways to help support the Lord's work while providing you with charitable tax benefits for yourself or your organization. 

With regard to IRA's, you may be in a situation where you have a larger-than-expected balance, and now will be paying a lot more in taxes than you planned. An IRA Direct Charitable Contribution could be substantial benefit to you. From the ECFA website:

Thanks to the Pension Protection Act of 2006 as extended by subsequent legislation, taxpayers age 70½ or older can make tax-free distributions directly to a church or charity from traditional IRAs or a Roth IRA up to $100,000 per year for 2006 through 2011. (IRA direct charitable contributions to donor advised funds, supporting organizations, private foundations or charitable remainder trusts do not qualify.)

Under these new rules, taxpayers can transfer IRA funds directly to your church or charity without incurring income tax on the transfer. The donor may claim a charitable deduction only to the extent that the IRA was funded with after-tax dollars. Individuals may have made both pre-tax and after-tax contributions to a traditional IRA. Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax contributions.

To make arrangements for these types of gifts, please contact Derek Garrett at 972-298-1101, or by email at derekg@behindthewalls.com.

Many companies set aside funds to support nonprofit charities. Your company may have a matching gift program that could multiply your gift to Behind the Walls. You may be able to participate even if you are a retiree. In addition, many places of employment (including certain government agencies) conduct workplace charitable fund drives through which you might be able to give to us. Contact your employer to see if they have such programs. We will gladly assist with any paperwork required of us.